Souse Meat

Prep: 30 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Caribbean

Souse Meat is a flavorful Caribbean-style dish featuring tender boiled pig parts infused with spices, vinegar, and hot sauce, perfect for sharing among fans of savory, spicy dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pig ears
  • 4 pig feet
  • 8 pig snoots
  • 1 heaping Tbsp. whole pickling spice
  • 1 tsp. whole cloves
  • 2 Tbsp. red pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 3/4 c. cider vinegar
  • 4 Tbsp. sage
  • 1 large onion
  • Accent to taste
  • 2 Tbsp. hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook pig ears, feet, and snoots with a piece of onion.
  2. Place pickling spice and cloves in a small cheesecloth bag and tie it.
  3. Drop the spice bag into the pot with the meats and add red pepper flakes.
  4. Let cook until the meat falls off the bones.
  5. Cool the meats and pull all meat off the bones.
  6. Chop the meat and onion in a large bowl.
  7. Add sage, black pepper, nutmeg, Accent, more red pepper to taste, salt if needed, vinegar, and hot sauce.
  8. Mix thoroughly and pour into loaf pans.
  9. Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding a splash of apple cider or a few bay leaves to the cooking liquid. You can substitute pig ears, feet, and snoots with other cuts of pork, like trotters or even chicken, for a different texture. Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of red pepper or hot sauce based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Souse meat is traditionally served chilled, often as a snack or appetizer. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for an easy treat. For a complete meal, serve alongside tangy pickles or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Quick Sherbet for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the souse meat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vinegar or water to prevent drying out. You can also serve it cold, making it a versatile dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Souse Meat contains roughly 321 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

321 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 12.7g 16% DV
Carbs 58.6g 21% DV
Fiber 23g 82% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1187.5mg 52% DV
Potassium 969.1mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 14.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 17.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 6.8mg 8% DV
Calcium 394.2mg 30% DV
Iron 8.2mg 46% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats instead of pig ears, feet, and snoots?

Yes, you can substitute with other cuts of pork, such as trotters or even chicken parts. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How long can I store the souse meat?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it's cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

What can I serve with souse meat?

Souse meat pairs well with crusty bread or crackers. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with pickles or a salad. You might also enjoy it alongside a refreshing drink like Coffee With Rum.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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