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Tlačenka (tlačenka): recipe illustration
Meat

Tlačenka (tlačenka)

A Czech head cheese: pieces of pork set in a garlic- and marjoram-scented jelly. It is sliced cold, often on bread with horseradish, and is a classic of winter charcuterie.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Instructions

  1. Wash the pig's head and trotter, then place them in a large pot with the onion, bay leaves and peppercorns.
  2. Cover with cold water and bring to a simmer; skim regularly and cook gently for 2 hours, until the meat comes away easily.
  3. Remove the meat, bone it and cut it into 1 cm pieces, keeping the fat and skin if you like them.
  4. Strain the stock, then reduce it over medium heat by half, about 20 minutes.
  5. Crush the garlic with the salt, then add it to the stock along with the marjoram, vinegar and ground pepper.
  6. Dissolve the gelatine in a little lukewarm stock, then stir it into the remaining liquid.
  7. Arrange the meat in a rectangular mould, pour the stock over until covered, and press down lightly.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours; unmould and slice cold.

Variations and tips

Version without a whole pig's head. If you can't find a whole head, use only pork cheek and shank, keeping the same amount of gelatine.

More ideas

Original Ecomely recipe.