Southern Souse Delight

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) apple cider vinegar 1 cup (240ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 radish, sliced 1 radish, sliced

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the pork shoulder, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
3. 3.
   Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4. 4.
   Strain the cooking liquid and discard the solids. Return the liquid to the pot and bring it to a boil. Cook for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and radish. Pour the reduced cooking liquid over the vegetables and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
6. 6.
   To assemble the souse, layer the shredded pork and pickled vegetables in a loaf pan or individual molds. Pour some of the cooking liquid over each layer to ensure even distribution of flavors.
7. 7.
   Refrigerate the souse for at least 4 hours, or until it sets and becomes firm.
8. 8.
   Once set, remove the souse from the molds and slice it into desired portions. Serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Apple cider vinegar — Opt for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to enhance the tangy flavor of the souse.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier souse, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serve the souse with crusty bread or crackers for added texture.
• Experiment with different pickled vegetables to customize the dish to your liking.
• Make the souse a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Souse chilled as an appetizer or a light main course. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or crackers to enjoy the contrasting textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced souse on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve the pickled vegetables on the side for guests to add as desired.