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.

Head Cheese (tobă)

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

  1. Place the head halves, onions, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt in a large pot.
  2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
  3. 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.
  4. Remove the head halves from the pot and let them cool slightly.
  5. Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids.
  6. Shred the meat from the head halves and place it in a loaf pan.
  7. Pour the strained cooking liquid over the meat, covering it completely.
  8. Refrigerate the tobă for at least 6 hours, or until it is set and firm.
  9. 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