Pigs Feet Recipe (Southern Soul Food)

Ingredients

• 3.5 lb pigs feet (3-4 pounds; also called trotters)
• 2 tbsp white vinegar (or red wine vinegar; used for cleaning)
• kosher salt (for scrubbing and cleaning)
• 1 packet Sazon
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes (or 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder)
• 2 tbsp Soul Dust (soul food seasoning)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (crushed red pepper)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 red onion (medium, sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 jalapeno (sliced (optional))
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cup water (4-6 cups as needed to cover)
• red wine vinegar (optional splash for finishing)
• hot sauce (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the trotters in a large mixing bowl and cover with cold water.

2. 2

   Add white vinegar, then scrub the pigs feet thoroughly with kosher salt and a scrub brush, making sure to clean between the toes. Use a butter knife to scrape off any excess hair if desired.

3. 3

   Discard the cleaning water and rinse the pigs feet well. For extra cleanliness, you may soak them in fresh cold water for 30 minutes before a final rinse.

4. 4

   Place the cleaned pigs feet into the slow cooker.

5. 5

   Add the Sazon packet, chicken bouillon, Soul Dust seasoning, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Mix well to coat the pigs feet evenly with the spices.

6. 6

   Add the sliced red onion, sliced red bell pepper, chopped garlic, and sliced jalapeno (if using) to the slow cooker.

7. 7

   Pour in 4 cups of water (or up to 6 cups if needed to cover), cover the slow cooker, and cook on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours.

8. 8

   Check for doneness: the pigs feet should be tender enough to cut with a fork and the skin should break away easily, but they should not be completely falling off the bone or knuckle.

9. 9

   Add a splash of red wine vinegar and a couple dashes of hot sauce to finish the dish if desired.

10. 10

    Let the pigs feet rest in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before serving.

11. 11

    Remove the pigs feet from the slow cooker and serve hot, ideally over rice with the flavorful cooking juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Soaking for Extra Cleanliness: After the vinegar and salt scrub, soak the pigs feet in cold water for 30 minutes to remove any lingering impurities. Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with classic Southern sides like collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, candied yams, mac and cheese, and potato salad.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• soul food
• Southern
• slow-cooked
• crockpot
• pork
• New Year's
• dinner