Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will transform your perception of offal forever! This slow-cooked garlic stuffed cow tongue is not just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts. Imagine tender, succulent meat infused with rich, aromatic garlic, slow-cooked to perfection for eight incredible hours. Whether you're a adventurous foodie or a traditional cooking lover, this recipe will elevate your cooking skills and introduce you to a classic dish that's both rustic and sophisticated.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Traditional
Serves: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cow tongue (about 3-4 pounds)
- 10 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon thyme
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cow tongue. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the surface of the tongue. This will allow the garlic to infuse its flavor into the meat.
- Take the peeled garlic cloves and insert them into the incisions you made on the tongue. Be generous with the garlic, ensuring each incision is filled.
- In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and thyme. Rub this mixture all over the tongue, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- In a slow cooker, place the quartered onion at the bottom. This will serve as a flavorful base for the tongue.
- Carefully place the garlic-stuffed cow tongue on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth over the tongue, ensuring it is mostly submerged. This will help keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the tongue to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking method will result in tender, flavorful meat.
- After 8 hours, check the tongue for tenderness. It should be easily pierced with a fork. If it is not yet tender, continue cooking for an additional hour.
- Once the tongue is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- After resting, slice the tongue against the grain into thin pieces. This will ensure a more tender bite.
- Serve the sliced tongue warm, drizzled with some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker for added flavor. Enjoy your slow-cooked garlic stuffed cow tongue!
Tips
- Choose a fresh, high-quality cow tongue from a reputable butcher for the best results.
- Don't skip the garlic incisions—they're crucial for deep, uniform flavor infusion.
- Pat the tongue dry before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere perfectly.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for food safety.
- Let the tongue rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce cooking time slightly; for ultra-tender meat, cook a bit longer.
- Save the cooking liquid as a base for gravy or future stews—it's packed with incredible flavor!
- Pair your cow tongue with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg