Contrary to stereotypes, lard is one of the most important sources of healthy fats. They are needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system, brain and heart, for our immunity and longevity in general. Therefore, we have found 4 quick and tasty recipes on how to pickle lard at home!
1. Salo with garlic
The classic and most healthy recipe thanks to the unconditional benefits of garlic!
You will need: 500 g of bacon, 100 g of salt, a quarter of a head of garlic, 10 g of black pepper.
Cooking:
1. Cut the lard into slices about 5 cm wide, and make transverse cuts in each of them to half;
2. Pour salt into a bowl, roll the fat in it well and rub it from all sides. Let it lie down a little;
3. Top the bacon with pepper or a mixture of peppers to your taste. It is better to take freshly ground – it is healthier, more aromatic and richer;
4. Cut the peeled garlic cloves into thin washers and put them into the slots;
5. Put the fat in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4 days;
6. For further storage, we recommend transferring the washed and cloth-wrapped piece to the freezer.
2. Spicy lard in a slow cooker
It would seem, where is the fat, and where is the slow cooker. But if you don’t want to wait a few days, this recipe is for you!
You will need: 500 g of fat, 6 bay leaves, 3 cloves of garlic, 1.5 tsp each. salt and sugar, spices.
Cooking:
1. Pour salt, sugar and all the spices to your liking into a bowl – coriander, paprika, pepper, ready-made mixtures;
2. Grind the bay leaves there and mix everything well;
3. Roll the washed and dried bacon in spices, cover it with chopped garlic balls and wrap tightly in cling film;
4. Cook the fat in the double boiler mode for 45 minutes, then send it to the freezer for another 30 minutes and serve.
3. Salo in mayonnaise
An unusual recipe allows you to make the fat as tender and fragrant as possible. Cooking in the oven!
You will need: 500 g of bacon, 125 ml of mayonnaise, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 bay leaves, 20 g of dill, 10 g of paprika, salt and pepper.
Cooking:
1. Mix the sauce of mayonnaise, crushed garlic and chopped dill;
2. Cut the fat into thin strips up to 10 cm long so that they can soak well;
3. Rub the pieces with salt, paprika and other spices to your taste, put them on the foil;
4. Lubricate the fat with mayonnaise sauce, sprinkle with chopped bay leaves on top and put in the refrigerator for half an hour;
5. Take out the fat and send it to the oven for 45 minutes at 220 degrees;
6. You can serve immediately or fry it first so that it is beautifully browned.
4. Salo in brine
This recipe is great if you need to salt a lot of bacon for the future!
You will need: 1 kg of fat, 2.5 cups of water, 100 g of salt, half a head of garlic, 2 bay leaves, spices.
Cooking:
1. Cut the washed bacon into sticks that will pass freely into the jar;
3. Boil water with salt, stir well, remove from heat and let cool;
4. Rub the lard with chopped garlic so that it absorbs the aroma;
5. Fill the jar in layers: lard, bay leaves, potted pepper, lard again. Do not stuff it too tightly, because the contents may deteriorate during storage;
6. Fill with brine so that the fat is completely covered with water;
7. Cover the jar with a lid, but do not twist, and leave for 3 days in a dark place;
8. Close the jar tightly and refrigerate for a week;
9. Take out and dry the fat, generously rub it with spices to your taste, pack and hide in the freezer for another day. Ready!