Love it or hate it, you have to try it.
This utterly unique delicacy represents one of the earliest values of Southern cooking: Use everything you’ve got.
What Are Chitlins?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chitlins, also known as chitterlings, are the intestines of a pig that have been cooked.
Rarely, cow intestines are also used for chitlins.
They are usually boiled down, fried up, and served with apple cider vinegar and hot sauce.
Chitlins have a strong, pungent smell, which is heightened when cooking.
Often, onions are used in the cooking process to make the smell less strong.
But the true appeal of chitlins lies in the mentality behind it.
Chitlins come from a universal idea of “waste not, want not.”
Southern Chitlins Today
Chitlins are no longer as prominent a fixture inSouthern cuisineas they used to be.
But that doesn’t mean that there’s no place for chitlins on the table in the modern South.
So go ahead and indulge in this classic.
You might hate or love it, but you’ll never know until you try!
What Do Chitlins Taste Like?
They have a savory, yet mild flavor.
Because of this, they typically take on the flavor of the seasoning you cook them with.
Are Chitlins Safe To Eat?
Chitlins are safe to eat if cleaned and prepared properly.
While anyone is at risk of contracting the infection, small children and infants are at the highest risk.
Frozen chitlins can be thawed out in the refrigerator in a container that is completely covered in plastic wrap.
This method will ensure the chitlins don’t drip and contaminate your fridge.
After thawing, use chitlins within two days.
Then, come back with a paper towel to wipe it up, or let it air dry.
TheCDC also recommendsusing paper towels to clean, that way the germs do not spread onto your dish rags.
