Lebăr

Indulge in the rich flavors of Lebăr, a traditional Romanian dish made with tender pork, savory liver, and aromatic spices, all encased in hog casings. Perfect for festive gatherings or a hearty family meal.

• 1 kg pork meat (shoulder or belly)
• 500 g pork liver
• 250 g pork fat
• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 meters hog casings

Method

1. 1

   Soak the hog casings in water for at least 2 hours to make them pliable.

2. 2

   In a large pot, boil the pork meat, pork liver, and pork fat in enough water to cover them. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

3. 3

   Remove the meat from the pot and let it cool slightly. Reserve the broth for later use.

4. 4

   Once cooled, grind the boiled meats along with the liver in a meat grinder. Mix in the cooked rice, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.

5. 5

   Rinse the soaked hog casings well and then stuff them with the meat mixture, taking care not to overfill them. Tie the ends securely.

6. 6

   In a large pot, bring the reserved broth to a boil and gently add the stuffed casings. Simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the casings are firm.

7. 7

   Remove the lebăr from the pot and let them cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve with mustard or pickles.