Traditional Souse: A Hearty Gelled Meat Loaf Recipe

Homemade Souse: A Gelled Loaf Side Dish

Souse is a zesty and savory side dish with roots in traditional head cheese, bringing together tender pig’s ears, feet and tongues in a flavorful, set loaf.

Why You’ll Love This Souse Recipe

• Rich, gelatinous texture: Thanks to collagen from pig’s ears and feet.
• Bold seasoning: Sage, cloves, bay leaves, pickling spice and vinegar pack a punch.
• Make ahead: Prep one day, serve chilled the next.

Ingredients for Homemade Souse

• 2 beef tongues, cleaned
• 2 pig’s ears, split
• 2 pig’s feet, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 8 cups water, or enough to cover
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)

Step-by-Step Souse Instructions

1. Prepare the meats: Rinse tongues, ears and feet under cold water. Trim any excess fat and pat dry.
2. Build the broth: In a large stockpot, combine the meats, onion and water. Stir in salt, pepper, peppercorns, sage, cloves, bay leaves, pickling spice, garlic powder and vinegar.
3. Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until the meats are tender (about 2½ hours).
4. Separate and shred: Remove meats from the pot. Strain the broth. Peel the tongues, then dice all meats into bite-sized pieces.
5. Assemble the souse: In a loaf pan or mold, layer the diced meats. Pour the hot broth over top, pressing to eliminate air pockets.
6. Chill and set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or until firm and gelled.
7. Serve: Slice into thick pieces and garnish with fresh herbs or pickled peppers.

Tips for Perfect Souse

• Use a fine mesh strainer for a clear broth.
• Adjust vinegar and pickling spice to taste for extra tang.
• Cut slices only when completely cold to maintain shape.

Nutrition per Serving

• Calories: 599 kcal
• Protein: 42 g
• Fat: 41 g (Saturated Fat 17 g)
• Carbs: 13 g (Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g)
• Cholesterol: 221 mg
• Sodium: 1337 mg

First taste: Serve chilled slices with crusty bread or pickled veg for a traditional experience. Enjoy your homemade souse.