Head Cheese (tobă)
Head Cheese, also known as Tobă, is a traditional Moldovan dish made from the head of a pig or calf. It is a savory meat jelly that is often served as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pig or calf head, cleaned and halved
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water
Instructions
- Place the head halves, onions, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt in a large pot.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the head halves from the pot and let them cool slightly.
- Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
- Shred the meat from the head halves and place it in a loaf pan.
- Pour the strained cooking liquid over the meat, covering it completely.
- Refrigerate the tobă for at least 6 hours, or until it is set and firm.
- Slice and serve the tobă with bread and pickles.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 4 hours
- Total time:
- 4 hours
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 250 per serving
- Protein
- 15g
- Fat
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
Supplies
Large pot Loaf pan
Tools
Knife Cutting board Strainer
Serving suggestions
Serving suggestions: Serve with crusty bread and pickled vegetables.
Tips & tricks
Tip: Use a sharp knife to slice the tobă for a clean presentation.
Cost
$15