Boiled Chitlins
A classic soul food delicacy, chitlins are slow-simmered until incredibly tender with onions, bell peppers, and a touch of vinegar. This recipe guides you through the essential cleaning process for a perfect, flavorful result.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 210 minutes total.
- 1
Thoroughly Clean the Chitlins (Approx
- a.60-75 minutes)
- b.Place thawed chitlins in a large, clean sink under cold running water. Perform an initial rinse to remove any surface grit.
- c.Working with one piece at a time, carefully pull off and discard the thick, fatty membrane attached to the intestine. This is a primary source of the strong odor.
- d.Meticulously inspect each piece, inside and out, removing any specks of undigested matter or debris. This step is critical for a clean-tasting final product.
- e.After cleaning each piece, place it in a large bowl of clean water. Once all are cleaned, rinse the entire batch 3-4 more times, changing the water each time, until the water runs completely clear.
- 2
Parboil to Reduce Odor (Approx
- a.15 minutes)
- b.Place the cleaned chitlins into a large stockpot and cover with fresh cold water by about 2 inches.
- c.Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- d.Carefully drain the chitlins in a colander, discarding the water. Thoroughly rinse the stockpot to remove any residue.
- 3
Simmer with Aromatics (Approx
- a.3-4 hours)
- b.Return the par-boiled chitlins to the clean pot. Add the quartered onion, bell pepper, celery, smashed garlic, whole potatoes, and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
- c.Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce.
- d.Cover the contents with fresh cold water, ensuring everything is submerged by at least 2 inches.
- e.Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and maintain a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 hours.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Check for Tenderness and Finish
- b.After 3 hours, check for tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork; it should be very tender and offer no resistance. If still tough, continue simmering, checking every 30 minutes.
- c.Once tender, use a slotted spoon to remove the chitlins and vegetables. Discard the cooking liquid, the potatoes, and the boiled vegetables as they have served their purpose of flavoring and absorbing odors.
- d.Allow the chitlins to cool slightly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the boiled chitlins hot.
- c.Offer additional apple cider vinegar and your favorite hot sauce on the side for individual seasoning.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cleaning is non-negotiable. Be patient and extremely thorough. Wearing disposable kitchen gloves is highly recommended.
- 2Ventilate your kitchen well by opening windows and using an exhaust fan, as chitlins have a very potent odor during cooking.
- 3The potato in the pot is a traditional trick believed to help absorb some of the odor. It should always be discarded after cooking.
- 4Do not rush the cooking time. A long, slow simmer is essential to break down the tough tissues and achieve the desired tenderness.
- 5For a milder flavor, you can change the water one more time after the first hour of simmering, replacing it with fresh hot water and new aromatics.
- 6Serve with classic soul food sides like cornbread, collard greens, and potato salad for a complete meal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fried Chitlins
After boiling and chopping, lightly flour the chitlins and pan-fry them in bacon grease or vegetable oil until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add a whole habanero or scotch bonnet pepper (pierced with a knife) to the simmering liquid for a significant heat boost. Remove it before serving.
Smoked FlavorSmoked Flavor
Add a smoked turkey wing or a few pieces of smoked ham hock to the pot during the long simmer to infuse a deep, smoky flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich Source of Protein
Pork intestines are a significant source of complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and building tissues in the body.
Contains Essential Minerals
Chitlins provide important minerals like zinc, which supports the immune system, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Frequently asked questions
The chitlins are clean when the fatty membrane is completely removed, there are no visible specks of debris inside or out, and the water you rinse them in runs completely clear. They should look pale and feel smooth, not slimy.