CHITLINS IN SPANISH RECIPES

Steps:

• Clean the chitterlings by removing all the specks and fat with specks on them. Rinse in several changes of salted water. Place them in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, drain, rinse and fill with enough water to cover again.
• Return to the heat and add the potato, onions, green pepper, garlic, celery and vinegar. Season with salt, bay leaf, Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 hours. Chitterlings should appear clear to white in color.
• Cut the chitterlings into 1 inch pieces and return to the pot. Pour out most of the cooking liquid. Discard the potato, onions, celery and bay leaf. Heat the chitterlings through and serve with your favorite side dishes. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator. Like so many other great soul food dishes, chitlins taste even better after the flavor has soaked in for a few hours.

Steps:

• Soak the chitterlings in cold water throughout the cleaning stage. Each chitterling should be examined and run under cold water, all foreign materials should be removed and discarded. Chitterlings should retain some fat, so be careful to leave some on. After each chitterling has been cleaned, soak in two cold water baths for a few minutes. The second water should be clearer. If not, soak in one more bath.
• Place the chitterlings in a 6 quart pot, and fill with cold water. Bring to a boil, then add the onion and season with salt, garlic and red pepper flakes. Be sure the water is at a full boil before adding seasonings, or the chitterlings could become tough. Continue to simmer for 3 to 4 hours, depending on how tender you like them. Serve with spaghetti or turnip greens. Be certain to pass the vinegar and hot sauce.