Chitterlings are the shit!

...or "Chitlins", as they are pronounced colloquially, is a food that is mainly eaten in the African American culture.  I am about to tell you how they are made, you may wish to read this before eating your lunch/dinner.

As Chitterlings are basically pigs' large intestines, they must be thoroughly cleaned before cooking and consumption.  They are usually bought pre-cleaned but still require boiling for 5 minutes to rid of any remaining germs.  They are then cleaned by hand in cold water to remove any flecks of piggy poop that may be clinging on for dear life.  After the cleaning process, the kitchen must be cleaned as anything that the chitlins may have touched before being boiled and cleaned may have dangerous bacteria such as salmonella on it.

The Chitlins are then cut into small pieces, put in a pot and covered with water and vinegar.  Bay leaves, onions, potatoes, green/red pepper, garlic, salt and pepper are also added (recipes do vary).  Bring to boil and then simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours or until chitlins are tender.  Remove from heat and drain well.  Enjoy with hot pepper sauce.

Chitlins are also sometimes battered and fried.

There is even a song:

There's a quiet and peaceful county in the state of Tennessee
You will find it in the book they call geography
Not famous for its farming, its mines, or its stills
But they know there's chitlin cookin' in them Cheatham County hills
When it's chitlin cookin' time in Cheatham County I'll be courtin' in them Cheatham County hills
And I'll pick a Cheatham County chitlin cooker
I've a longin' that the chitlins will fill

Comments

[Liz Curtis]

Thanks for the warning, not sure I'll be trying them!

[nicola tart]

I'll stick with the Pavlova thanks.

[Jason]

Eeeeeeeuuuuuuugggghhhhhh!!!!!!!

[Tim the Enchanter]

Too much cleaning....not enough cooking!

[AndyC]

OK, we've hit "Aaron's Block" again.

Please don't let it happen again, Aaron.

We miss you.

[N Pulchan]

Hello Aaron,
I think you should do a bit more research on the 'culture' in which chitterlings are found - I would argue that it is a Southern delicacy rather than an African American delicacy. One that you are brave, brave, brave to have tried!!!! I've always been too scared, ewwwe...
Naomi

[Aaron]

Thanks for the heads up Naomi. Appreciate your comments. I can guarantee that I will never be trying them!