Yo, let’s talk about something that’s been cookin’ up in the heart of Pennsylvania – scrapple! Now, if you ain’t familiar with this dish, it’s a unique and flavorful specialty that’s been delighting folks for generations. It’s like a savory party on your plate, combining pork goodness with a hearty dose of spices and cornmeal. Whether you’ve had it all your life or are just hearing about it, scrapple is one of those meals that can really hit the spot. So, let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can whip it up in your own kitchen!
What is Scrapple?
Scrapple is a dish that originated among the Pennsylvania Dutch. At its core, it’s made from scraps of pork, cornmeal, and spices all mixed together and cooked until it forms a solid loaf. Then, it’s usually sliced and fried until crispy. Perfect with a side of eggs or some hot sauce, scrapple is comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder
- 1/2 pound pork liver (optional)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pork shoulder and liver in a large pot with the water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the meat is tender (about 1-2 hours).
- Remove the meat from the pot, reserving the broth. When cool enough to handle, chop the pork into small pieces.
- In the same pot, bring the reserved broth back to a boil. Slowly stir in the cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and any additional seasonings. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the chopped meat to the mixture, mixing well. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and let it cool to room temperature. It will firm up as it cools.
- Once cooled, slice the scrapple into pieces and fry them in a hot skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
There you have it! A delicious, crispy plate of homemade scrapple that’s ready for breakfast or any time you crave it. Serve it up with some eggs, toast, or whatever you like, and enjoy! This dish is more than food; it’s a tradition that connects people and brings flavor to the table. So get cookin’ and make that scrapple shine!