How to Cook the most Delicious Spicy Trotters Stew

pig trotters

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork hocks

Chicken thighs are leaner and more accessible.

beef stock

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth reduces sodium and can be homemade.

cayenne pepper

🥗Healthier: paprika

💰Cheaper: chili powder

Paprika offers a milder heat and vibrant color.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides healthy fats while canola is cost-effective.

Wash the trotters thoroughly then place in the pot, pour enough water to cover the trotters.

Add 1-2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or any vinegar you have in your cupboard.

Place 2 bay leaves in the pot, also add a pinch of whole or smashed peppercorns.

Boil the trotters on high heat for 15 minutes.

Remove the trotters from the pot and place them in a wide bowl. Add cold water and wash the trotters again thoroughly.

Place the trotters into the cooking pot again, add fresh water covering the trotters.

Add fresh thyme then cover pot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.

After 3-4 hours the trotters are fully cooked, remove them from the pot and place in a separate bowl.

Pour the broth into a separate jug and save for use later.

Add cooking oil to the pot, add chopped white onion and fry until golden brown.

Add broth a little bit at a time if needed.

Add 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp mixed herbs seasoning, 1/4 tsp chilli flakes and fry for 2-3 minutes.

Add 1 tbsp curry paste. Mix and fry for a further 2-3 minutes adding broth a little bit at a time.

Now add 1-2 tsp chilli oil or harissa hot chilli paste. Mix and fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the trotters back into the pot and mix into the spicy sauce.

Pour over all the broth you have left over in your jug.

Add 1/2 cup diluted tomato sauce or 1/2 cup chopped skinned tomatoes.

Remove all the thyme stems.

Cover and simmer allow to cook further on low heat for 1 hour.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: