How to Cook Pork Chitterlings in a Pressure Cooker

Chitterlings, also known as chitlins, are a soul food staple in many Southern homes. These pork intestines pack a powerful flavor, but they require thorough cleaning and long cooking times to be edible. Using a pressure cooker is the easiest, fastest way to transform these odd bits into tender, delicious morsels. If you’re new to cooking chitterlings, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What are Chitterlings?

Chitterlings (chitlins for short) are pig intestines that have been cleaned and prepared for cooking. They come from the small intestine and are commonly found in soul food and Cajun cuisines. Chitlins have a very strong odor andgelatinous texture before cooking. Their flavor is rich, meaty, and irony. Some people compare it to calamari.

Chitterlings were popular because they are an inexpensive cut of meat. Slaves and sharecroppers relied on them as a protein source. Today, they remain a staple in many Southern and soul food kitchens. The preparation is time-consuming, but the reward of tender, flavorful chitlins is worth it!

Why Cook Chitterlings in a Pressure Cooker?

Cooking chitterlings can be an all-day affair. Traditional braising methods require 4-6 hours of cooking. This long cook time is necessary to break down the collagen and tenderize the meat.

Using a pressure cooker cuts the cooking time down to under an hour The high-pressure environment helps break down those tough membranes quickly You get fork-tender chitlins without the endless simmering and waiting,

Pressure cooking also contains the pungent smells associated with cooking chitlins You’ll get all the flavor without the house smelling for days after, It’s a win-win!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Chitterlings in a Pressure Cooker

Follow these simple steps for tender, delicious chitterlings cooked in under an hour:

Ingredients Needed

• 2-3 lbs cleaned chitterlings
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth or water

Prep the Chitterlings

Rinse the chitterlings thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any remaining fat or membranes. Cut into 2-3 inch pieces.

Brown the Aromatics

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until starting to soften.

Add Chitterlings and Seasonings

Add the cut chitterlings, bay leaves, paprika, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chitterlings in the aromatic vegetables and spices.

Add Liquid and Pressure Cook

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.

Lock the lid and pressure cook on high pressure for 35 minutes in an electric PC or 25 minutes in a stovetop PC. Allow pressure to release naturally.

Finish and Serve

Once pressure is released, remove the bay leaves. Give the chitterlings a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve the tender chitlins warm over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy this soul food favorite the fast and easy way thanks to your pressure cooker!

##More Delicious Ways to Use Your Pressure Cooker

Beyond chitterlings, pressure cookers make many meat dishes more convenient. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

• Beef Stew – Turn tough chuck roast tender in just 35 minutes. The pressure extracts maximum flavor from the meat and vegetables.

• Pulled Pork – Turn a pork shoulder or butt into fork-tender, shredable pulled pork in 60-90 minutes.

• Chicken Soup – Make a nourishing homemade chicken soup with falling-off-the bone meat in under an hour.

• Ribs – Pressure cooking gives you finger-licking ribs in a fraction of the time. They get perfectly tender without drying out.

A good pressure cooker is a game changer for cooking meats. Chitterlings turn from a day-long chore into a fast weeknight dinner. Expand your pressure cooking skills with more great recipes.