Hog Maw

Content… What Is It? Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Fabulous Soul Food Recipes to Try Conclusion

What Is Hog Maw?

It is part of the pig’s stomach, specifically the exterior outer wall, and, for soul food, it’s cooked much like chitlins. Some cultures stuff it with cubed potatoes, sausage, vegetables, and seasonings to make an incredible sausage. You can also throw it in soups, stews, and chili con carne. Yum!

Recipe Ingredients

1. Hog Maw – The star ingredient gives this recipe its name and one-of-a-kind taste.
2. Natural Cleansers – Baking soda and vinegar do an excellent job cleaning hog maw.
3. Aromatics – Onion and garlic provide a delightful aroma and flavor.
4. Veggies – Celery and peppers add a slight sweetness and punch of color.
5. Seasonings – Thyme, Creole seasoning, and beef bouillon give the dish herby, earthy notes, while cayenne brings just the right amount of heat to the table.

How to Make Hog Maw

Clean the Hog Maw

• Clean – Thoroughly wash the hog maw by soaking it in vinegar, baking soda, salt, and water for about an hour. After that, rinse twice under running tap water until clean. 
• Prepare– Next, remove any excess fat, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a medium-sized cast-iron pot (or whatever large pot you have), completely cover it with water, and cook over medium-high heat for 60-90 minutes. 
• Final Rinse – After cooking, rinse the hog maw one more time with fresh water, then rinse the pot and return the hog maw to the same pot.

Cook it Up

• Add Veggies and Seasonings – Next, add the rest of the ingredients: onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic, thyme, Creole seasoning, beef bouillon, cayenne pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly, place the pot over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-90 minutes or until the pork is tender. 
• Keep an Eye Out – Check the pot, occasionally stirring each time to ensure the meat doesn’t stick to the bottom. Add more water if it starts getting low. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. 
• Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

1. The hog maw’s mildness means you can go big on flavor. Add some parsley or cilantro for herby freshness. Or throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like additional heat.
2. Additional veggies, such as carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant, add extra nutrition and color.

Tips and Tricks

1. Take your time for the cleaning process on hog maws and chitlins so you do it right.
2. Hog maws in soul food are traditionally cooked with chitterlings. So feel free to use either one or both in this recipe.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The time it takes to clean and prepare the hog maws is so worth it. Fortunately, that prep work can be done ahead of time. First, clean them and then parboil them for 5-10 minutes. Rinse them again, then allow them to cool. Once cooled, you can freeze them for a month or two. Defrost in the fridge overnight and continue with the recipe.

Serving and Storage Instructions

This dish is best served hot off the stove. But if you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for three days or in the freezer for three months. Then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What to Serve With Hog Maw

Hog maw is a soul food classic that is most delicious when served with traditional soul food sides. I treat my family to Southern-style cornbread, collard greens, and Hoppin’ John for a comfort food feast. And a classic pecan pie tops things off with a bang.

More Fabulous Soul Food Recipes to Try

1. Breaded Pork Chop
2. Red Beans and Rice
3. Hush Puppies
4. Fried Okra
5. Sweet Potato Pie

Conclusion

Make room for this hearty and healthy soul food specialty on your dinner table. Would you like more delicious soul food recipes? Follow me on YouTube for instructional videos.