Creole Chitterlings (Chitlins)

There are some recipes that are called Southern however, the Creole and Cajun culture in itself cooks different than the rest of the south. I believe this simple recipe does the heritage justice. You can serve them with your favorite side dishes such as greens, macaroni and cheese or rice.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 494 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 large baking potato
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 3 stalks celery, with leaves
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 20 pounds frozen cleaned chitterlings, thawed
• 2 large onions, peeled and halved
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Clean the chitterlings by removing all the specks and fat with specks on them. Rinse in several changes of salted water. Place them in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, drain, rinse and fill with enough water to cover again.

Step 2

Return to the heat and add the potato, onions, green pepper, garlic, celery and vinegar. Season with salt, bay leaf, Creole seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 hours. Chitterlings should appear clear to white in color.

Step 3

Cut the chitterlings into 1 inch pieces and return to the pot. Pour out most of the cooking liquid. Discard the potato, onions, celery and bay leaf. Heat the chitterlings through and serve with your favorite side dishes. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator. Like so many other great soul food dishes, chitlins taste even better after the flavor has soaked in for a few hours.