Traditional Homemade Brawn Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pig's head
  • 3 onions, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch of fresh thyme
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 15 juniper berries
  • 2 liters of water
  • 500 ml of white wine
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the pig's head thoroughly, removing the brain and eyes.
  2. Place the head in a large pot with the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, peppercorns, and juniper berries. Pour in the water and wine.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 6 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone.
  4. Remove the head from the pot and set aside to cool.
  5. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve. Discard the vegetables and spices.
  6. Once the head is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and any non-meat parts.
  7. Chop the meat into small pieces and place in a large bowl.
  8. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and vinegar. Mix well.
  9. Transfer the meat into a terrine or a rectangular mold. Press down firmly to compact it.
  10. Pour the reserved cooking liquid over the meat until it is covered.
  11. Cover the terrine and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or until the brawn is set.
  12. Once set, turn out the brawn onto a chopping board and slice. Serve chilled.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to hold the pig's head and other ingredients.
  • Chopping board - A sturdy board for cutting and chopping the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cleaning the pig's head and chopping the meat.
  • Strainer - A strainer or sieve to strain the cooking liquid.
  • Terrine or rectangular mold - A container to shape and store the brawn.
  • Cover or lid - A cover or lid to seal the terrine or mold while refrigerating.
  • Refrigerator - A refrigerator to chill and set the brawn.

Recipe variations

  • Use a mixture of different meats such as pork shoulder or beef cheeks along with the pig's head.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, or allspice.
  • Add some diced cooked vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the brawn mixture before chilling.
  • Try adding cooked bacon or pancetta for an extra smoky flavor.
  • Create a more flavorful jelly or glaze by using a different liquid, such as red wine, apple cider, or beer.
  • Add some chopped nuts, such as pistachios or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the pig's head with a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for a unique twist.
  • Instead of chilling the brawn in a traditional terrine, try molding it into individual portions using ramekins or silicone molds.
  • Serve the brawn with a variety of accompaniments such as pickles, mustard, crusty bread, or even on sandwiches.

Recipe overview

Brawn, also known as head cheese, is a traditional British dish that uses every part of the pig's head to create a flavorful and unique terrine. This recipe requires a bit of time and patience, but the result is a delicious and satisfying cold cut that is perfect for sandwiches or served with pickles and mustard. The pig's head is slowly simmered in a pot with vegetables, herbs, and spices until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The meat is then chopped, seasoned, and packed into a mold, covered with the cooking liquid, and left to set in the refrigerator. The resulting brawn is a testament to the philosophy of nose-to-tail eating and a great way to explore traditional British cuisine.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make brawn?
    It takes approximately 6 hours to simmer the pig's head and an additional 24 hours for the brawn to set in the refrigerator.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of a pig's head?
    While traditionally brawn is made with a pig's head, you can experiment with using other cuts of meat like pork shoulder or beef shank. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
  3. Is it necessary to include juniper berries and thyme?
    Juniper berries and thyme add a unique flavor to the brawn, but if you don't have them on hand, you can omit them or substitute with other herbs and spices according to your taste.
  4. Can I make brawn without wine?
    Yes, you can omit the white wine if you prefer. You can replace it with an equal amount of water or use apple cider vinegar or apple juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
  5. How should I serve brawn?
    Brawn is traditionally served cold or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own as a cold cut or paired with bread, pickles, and mustard as part of a charcuterie platter.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the pig's head and other ingredients
  • Terrine or rectangular mold - Used for shaping and setting the brawn
  • Chopping board - Used for cutting and slicing the brawn
  • Knife - Used for chopping the meat and other ingredients
  • Strainer - Used for separating the cooking liquid from the solids
  • Cover or lid - Used to cover the terrine during refrigeration

Origin stories

Brawn, a traditional British dish also known as head cheese, has a rich history rooted in the concept of culinary thrift. Back in the Middle Ages, when wasting food was not an option, every part of the animal was used in some way or another. The head of the pig, an item that may not seem appetizing at first glance, was cooked for hours until the meat tenderized and could be stripped off the bone to create this savory dish. Brawn was typically part of a peasant's diet, but over the years it has seen a resurgence as a delicacy served in gourmet restaurants. The transformation of the pig’s head into a prized culinary delight serves as a testament to the ingenious nature of traditional cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.