Kostelski želodec with Herbed Potato Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pork stomach (approximately 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) 1 pork stomach (approximately 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground pork 500g (1.1 lbs) ground pork
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, finely chopped 200g (7 oz) bacon, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, boiled and cubed 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, boiled and cubed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Rinse the pork stomach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped bacon, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Stuff the pork stomach with the prepared mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. 5.
   Secure the opening of the stomach with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
6. 6.
   Place the stuffed pork stomach in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the stomach is tender and cooked through.
8. 8.
   While the pork stomach is cooking, prepare the herbed potato salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled and cubed potatoes, finely chopped onion, chives, parsley, white vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat the potatoes with the dressing.
9. 9.
   Once the pork stomach is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
10. 10.
    Serve the sliced Kostelski želodec alongside the herbed potato salad. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork stomach — Ensure thorough cleaning of the pork stomach before stuffing to remove any impurities and ensure a clean flavor.
• Ground pork — Use lean ground pork for a healthier option, or a mix of lean and fatty ground pork for a richer flavor.
• Bacon — Opt for high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat for the best flavor.
• Herbs — Use fresh herbs whenever possible to enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
• Potatoes — Choose waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the herbed potato salad, as they hold their shape well after boiling.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can marinate the stuffed pork stomach overnight in a mixture of white wine, garlic, and herbs before baking.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can remove the aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the pork stomach to brown.
• Serve the Kostelski želodec with a dollop of sour cream or a side of sauerkraut for a traditional Slovenian touch.
• If you can't find a pork stomach, you can use pork loin or pork belly as a substitute, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
• Leftover Kostelski želodec can be sliced and used in sandwiches or salads for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the sliced Kostelski želodec on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme. Accompany it with a generous portion of herbed potato salad on the side. This dish pairs well with a glass of Slovenian white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Kostelski želodec neatly on the platter, ensuring that the stuffing is visible. Place a sprig of fresh herbs on top for an elegant touch. Serve the herbed potato salad in a separate bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped chives and parsley. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures will make for an appetizing presentation.