Articles by meat4you

Chili con carne is a hearty dish consisting primarily of meat, beans, and a blend of spices, especially chili. The origins of this dish are disputed, but it is generally believed to have originated in the United States, specifically the Texas region, and is deeply rooted in Mexican-American cuisine.

History: The history of chili con carne can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed to have been introduced by European immigrants who adopted various ingredients and cooking techniques from indigenous peoples and Mexican culture. In particular, the use of chili as a flavor enhancer and the combination of meat and beans reflect the region's culinary traditions.

The first documented recipe for chili con carne appeared in Texas in the 1880s, and the dish quickly gained popularity. It was especially popular during the Gold Rush era and the cowboy lifestyle and was often served at social gatherings and "chili cook-offs."

The Iberian pig (or Ibérico pig) is a breed of pig that originated on the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal. The breed is prized for its high-quality meat, which plays a special role in gourmet cuisine, especially in the production of high-quality hams such as the famous Jamón Ibérico.

History: The breeding of the Iberian pig dates back to ancient times. The first historical evidence of the use of pigs in this region dates back to the Romans. Iberian pigs were traditionally raised in the region's oak forests, where they could feed on acorns (bellotas), which significantly influences the taste and quality of the meat.

Over the centuries, the Iberian pig has been bred primarily in rural areas of Spain and Portugal, where it has adapted to local conditions and the Mediterranean climate. The breed has evolved into various lines, including the "Pata Negra" (black legs), which is considered particularly high-quality.

Creamed goulash is a classic dish popular in many Eastern European cuisines, particularly in Hungarian, German, and Austrian traditions. It is a variation of traditional goulash, which originated in Hungary and was originally prepared as a stew with meat, peppers, and, depending on the region, various vegetables.

Origin of goulash: Goulash has its roots in 9th-century Hungarian cuisine, where it was invented by shepherds. The original version was a simple dish of meat and peppers cooked in a cauldron over a fire. The addition of various spices, including pepper and caraway, was typical of Hungarian cuisine.

Nice to know:

Gravy has a long and varied history that is closely linked to the development of cooking and food culture in Europe. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, when simple sauces made from stocks, fats and herbs were used to intensify the flavour of meat dishes.

In the Middle Ages, sauces often became more complex and included various ingredients such as wine, spices and vinegar. These sauces were not only used to enhance flavour, but also to preserve food. This period also saw the first recipes for sauces written down in cookbooks. 

Over the centuries, especially during the Renaissance, European cooking flourished, introducing new techniques and ingredients that expanded the variety of sauces. French cuisine, which is particularly famous for its sauces, developed a variety of gravies in the 17th and 18th centuries that served as the basis for many dishes.

One of the most popular is demi-glace, a rich sauce made from beef stock and a reduced brown sauce.

Nice to know:

The origin of tomato sauce or tomato sugo is closely linked to the history of the tomato itself. The tomato originally comes from Central and South America and was used as food by the indigenous peoples. After the discovery of America by the Europeans in the 15th century, the tomato found its way to Europe, where it was initially considered an ornamental plant.

In the 18th century, the Italians began to use the tomato in the kitchen. One of the first documented uses was the preparation of "Salsa di Pomodoro", a sauce made from fresh tomatoes. This Italian tomato sauce evolved over time, with different ingredients being added such as onions, garlic, herbs and spices.

Beef liver is extremely rich in nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits. It contains vitamin A, among other things, which is important for good eyesight, healthy skin and a strong immune system.

It also provides B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which is crucial for the functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells. Is the liver taste too strong for you? Here's a tip: Soak the liver in milk an hour before frying and store in the refrigerator. By soaking the liver in milk, it becomes milder in taste and contracts less when fried.

Zurich-style veal strips with veal kidneys and rösti
Ingredients for 4 people

For the veal strips:
500 g veal (veal kidneys)
200 g veal kidneys
2 onions
200g mushrooms
2-3 cloves of garlic
200 ml cream
100 ml white wine
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
100ml veal stock
Salt and pepper

For the rösti:
600 g waxy potatoes (floury)
2-3 tbsp butter for frying
Salt and pepper

Preparation

Preparation of the meat: Cut the veal into thin strips. Rinse the kidneys thoroughly under water, remove the fat and skin and cut into small pieces.
Peel the onions and garlic and chop finely.

Preparation of the veal strips: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a pan. First, briefly sauté the meat in portions in the pan until golden brown and sprinkle with flour. Then keep warm in the oven at around 60 degrees. Fry the onions and garlic, then add the mushrooms until they are translucent. Deglaze with white wine and top up with veal stock and let it reduce briefly. Add cream and stir everything well. Simmer for a few minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, add the meat again and stir gently.

Preparation of the rösti: Cook the potatoes the day before, let them cool and peel them. On the day of preparation, coarsely grate the cold potatoes. Heat the butter in a cast iron pan and distribute the grated potatoes evenly in it. Season with salt and pepper. Fry the rösti over medium heat for around 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Then carefully turn it over (e.g. with a large plate) and fry the other side until golden brown.

Serving: Just before serving, top the veal strips with whipped cream and arrange on plates, and serve with Rösti.