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Ghent (Belgium)
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Starter
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
250kcal
22gProtein
2gCarbs
18gFat
1gFibre
100 gServing
* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.
Allergens
🥛 Dairy
Gentse Kopvlees
How to order / say it
Say it
Gentse Kopvlees — [GHENTS-keh KOP-vles]
Order
I'd like the Gentse Kopvlees, please.
Locally
Ik zou graag de Gentse Kopvlees willen, alstublieft.
Say locally
A savory meat jelly made from the head of a pig.
Why try it?
A true reflection of Ghent's frugal yet flavorful culinary past, Gentse Kopvlees exemplifies the tradition of nose-to-tail cooking, making every part count.
How it tastes
With a gelatinous texture and a savory, slightly tangy flavor, the dish is typically served cold and sliced thinly, often enhanced with vinegar or pickles.
Origin & History — first documented: 1500
This dish has roots in medieval Europe, with specific origins in Ghent when meat preservation was key for survival during harsh winters, maximizing every animal part.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 1 head pig's head
- 🧄 100 g onions
- 🥕 100 g carrots
- 🌿 2 leaves bay leaves
- 🧂 10 g peppercorns
- 🍋 50 ml vinegar
Method
- 1 Boil the pig's head with onions and carrots.
- 2 Add bay leaves and peppercorns, cook until tender.
- 3 Remove bones, mix meat with vinegar in a mold.
- 4 Chill until set, slice and serve cold.
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© Wikimedia Commons
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