Tiffany Haney
Hog jowl, also known as pork jowl, is a cut of meat from the cheeks of a pig. It has a rich flavor and a unique texture that remains firm during long cooking times. Slow cooking hog jowl in a crock pot is an excellent way to prepare this cut of meat, making it tender and tasty. This cooking method is ideal for less expensive portions of meat, and it can be used to create delicious stews and other dishes. In this article, we will explore the process of slow cooking hog jowl in a crock pot, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions. We will also discuss the versatility of hog jowl and its ability to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Hog jowl stew |
| Main Ingredient | Hog jowl (pork jowl) |
| Other Ingredients | Black-eyed peas, butter or ghee, onion or shallots, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper |
| Crock Pot Cooking Time | 1.5-2 hours |
| Preparation | Soak peas overnight, cook hog jowl in bacon grease until browned, add peas and other ingredients, season to taste |
| Texture | Firm |
| Taste | Similar to bacon |
| Substitutes | Ham, bacon |
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What You'll Learn
Hog jowl stew with black-eyed peas
Hog jowl, also known as pork jowl, is a cut of meat from the cheeks of a pig. It is usually found in the pork section of the grocery store, next to the ham, or at a butcher shop. Hog jowl has a similar taste to bacon but has a texture that remains firm during long cooking times. It can be used to add flavour to any pot of beans, peas, or greens.
Ingredients:
- Hog jowl, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
- Chicken broth
- Water
- Butter or ghee
- Onion or shallots
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Cornstarch or xanthan gum (optional, to thicken the stew)
Instructions:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion or shallots and garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped hog jowl to the pot and cook until browned and crispy.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, and add the drained black-eyed peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Be sure to stir occasionally and add water as needed to maintain a thick stew consistency.
- If you want to thicken the stew, mix cornstarch or xanthan gum with a small amount of the bean liquid, then slowly pour it into the stew while stirring.
- Serve the hog jowl stew with black-eyed peas while it's hot. It goes well with cornbread or jalapeno cornbread muffins.
Note: If you prefer, you can substitute the hog jowl with cubed ham or bacon, and use vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
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Cooking time and temperature
When cooking hog jowl in a crock pot, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure optimal cooking time and temperature for a tasty result. Firstly, the specific cut of hog jowl and the desired end texture will influence the cooking time. Hog jowl, derived from the cheek area of the hog, boasts a unique texture that remains firm even during extended cooking periods. This attribute makes it ideal for dishes requiring prolonged simmering or slow cooking, such as stews or crock pot creations.
For a crock pot recipe involving hog jowl, a typical cooking duration ranges from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This timeframe ensures the hog jowl attains a desirable browned and crispy texture while retaining its distinct flavour. However, it's important to emphasise that cooking time can be influenced by the specific crock pot model and its temperature settings. Therefore, it's advisable to monitor the hog jowl's progress and make adjustments as needed.
To achieve the ideal temperature for cooking hog jowl in a crock pot, it is recommended to set the crock pot to medium or medium-high heat. This temperature range allows for even cooking and browning of the hog jowl without overheating the crock pot. It is essential to maintain a consistent temperature to prevent undercooking or overcooking the meat.
Additionally, when preparing hog jowl in a crock pot, it is crucial to consider the role of liquids and the desired consistency of the final dish. Hog jowl is often cooked in combination with ingredients like black-eyed peas, requiring sufficient liquid to ensure even cooking without creating a soupy consistency. Regular stirring is recommended to prevent sticking and promote even cooking throughout the crock pot.
In summary, when cooking hog jowl in a crock pot, aim for a cooking time of around 1 1/2 to 2 hours at a medium to medium-high temperature setting. Adjust the heat as needed to attain the desired level of browning and crispness. Remember to factor in the quantity of hog jowl and the specific characteristics of your crock pot, as these variables can influence the overall cooking time and temperature requirements.
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Soaking the peas
To soak the peas, start by washing and sorting the black-eyed peas, removing any hulls or stones. Drain the peas well and set them aside. Then, in a large bowl, combine the peas with baking soda and add water to cover them. Place the bowl in the fridge and let the peas soak overnight. This step is crucial, as it not only reduces cooking time but also helps to soften the peas, making them easier to cook and resulting in a more tender texture.
It is important to note that while soaking the peas is recommended, it is not mandatory. If you are short on time or prefer not to soak them, you can still proceed with the recipe, but be prepared to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Simply add the drained peas directly to the pot without soaking, and increase the cooking time by about an hour.
Additionally, remember to season the peas to your taste. You can add salt and pepper, or any other seasonings that you prefer, to enhance the flavor of the dish. The seasoning can be adjusted throughout the cooking process, so feel free to taste and adjust as needed to create a flavorful and delicious hog jowl stew.
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Thickening the stew
Hog jowl, also known as pork jowl, is a cut of meat from the cheeks of a pig. It is usually found in the pork section of the grocery store, next to the ham, or at a butcher shop. Hog jowl has a similar taste to bacon and can be used to add flavour to beans, peas, or greens.
To cook hog jowl in a crock pot, you can make a stew with southern black-eyed peas. First, wash and sort the black-eyed peas, removing any hulls or stones. Then, soak the peas in a large bowl with baking soda and water overnight in the fridge.
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat two tablespoons of butter along with onions and garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add the chopped hog jowl. Cook until the hog jowl is browned and crispy.
Now, add the drained peas, chicken broth, and water. Season to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1.5-2 hours. Be sure to add water throughout the cooking process to keep the peas covered, but not so much that the dish becomes soupy. The goal is to achieve a thick stew consistency.
If you want an even thicker consistency for your hog jowl stew, there are a few simple methods you can try:
- Cornstarch: Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with one-third of a cup of the bean liquid.
- Xanthan gum: Alternatively, you can use xanthan gum, a natural thickening agent. Mix two teaspoons of xanthan gum with a quarter of a cup of the bean liquid.
- Slowly pour small amounts of either mixture into the stew at a time, stirring continuously until you achieve the desired consistency. You may not need to use the entire mixture, so add a little at a time until you get it just right.
You can also adjust the consistency by thinning out the stew with more chicken broth or water if you prefer a less thick stew.
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Serving suggestions
Hog jowl is an ultra-fatty cut of meat from the cheek area of a pig. It has a rich flavour and is usually found in the pork section of a grocery store, next to the ham, or at a butcher shop. Hog jowl can be used fresh, cured, or smoked and is a great addition to any pot of beans, peas, or greens. Here are some serving suggestions for hog jowl cooked in a crock pot:
Stew with Black-Eyed Peas
Combine hog jowl with black-eyed peas, chicken broth, and water. Season to taste and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours. Be sure to add water throughout the cooking process to keep the peas covered but not soupy. This dish should have a thick stew consistency. Serve with cornbread. To make the dish dairy-free, simply replace the butter with vegan butter.
With Vegetables
Serve hog jowl slices on a bed of mashed cauliflower, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash. Alternatively, cube the cooked jowl and add it to pan-fried or roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans.
Breakfast
Serve thin slices of hog jowl with eggs for breakfast instead of bacon.
Sandwiches or Wraps
Cube the hog jowl and add it to sandwiches or wraps.
Rice or Cauliflower Rice
Cube the hog jowl and mix it into rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Braising and Browning
Braise the hog jowl to soften any connective tissue, then brown it to crispy perfection. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
Remember that hog jowl is very rich and fatty, so it should be enjoyed in small quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
Hog jowl can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker on medium heat until browned and crispy. It is often cooked with black-eyed peas and bacon grease to make a stew.
Hog jowl takes around 1.5-2 hours to cook in a crock pot. It should be brought to a boil and then simmered until it reaches a thick stew consistency.
Hog jowl comes from the cheek of a pig and has a similar taste and texture to bacon. It remains firm during long cooking times and can be used to add flavour to beans, peas, or greens.
