How to make Pig Foot Souse

Calendar icon Published: Aug 6th 2021 by Rachael Ottier Hart
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 15th 2024
Read time: 5 mins
Cuisine:
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Close up shot of Pig Foot Souse with a spoon

Pig Foot Souse is a beloved Caribbean dish with European roots, popular for its tender, flavorful meat soaked in a tangy, seasoned brine. This traditional Trinidad delicacy uses pig’s feet cooked to perfection until they fall off the bone, then marinated in a blend of local spices, lime juice, and fresh herbs. If you're a fan of bold, savory flavors, this recipe will transport you straight to the islands with its unique taste and texture. Try it today and experience the authentic flavors of Caribbean souse!

This Pig Foot Souse recipe is bursting with authentic Caribbean flavors, using fresh herbs and spices to create a tangy and savory dish. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for those looking to try something new and adventurous. Whether you’re a fan of souse or trying it for the first time, this recipe delivers a delicious experience!

  • For the best results, let the pig feet marinate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice to balance the richness of the pig feet.
  • Adjust the amount of seasoning and spice to suit your taste preferences—add more hot peppers for an extra kick!

Serve this Pig Foot Souse with freshly baked bread or roasted breadfruit. You can also enjoy it with a side of boiled provisions like cassava or yam. Don’t forget to pair it with a spicy scotch bonnet pepper sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

  • Meat Variations: You can swap pig feet with cow’s feet or chicken feet for a different take on souse.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add sliced carrots or green mango for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot pepper to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.

Store leftover souse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen the longer it sits, making it taste even better the next day. Serve cold or at room temperature.

  • Pig's Feet: The star of the dish, bringing rich flavor and a unique texture.
  • Lime: Used to clean the pig feet and add freshness to the dish.
  • Green Seasoning: A blend of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
  • Garlic & Onion: For added depth and savory flavor.
  • Seasoning Peppers: Provides a mild heat and vibrant flavor to the souse.
  • Chadon Beni Leaves (or Cilantro): Adds a signature herbaceous note.
  • Cucumbers: Gives a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the pig feet.

What is souse meat?

"Souse meat" refers to a dish made from pickled or marinated meat, typically pork. The meat is often simmered in a flavorful broth or brine, which usually includes ingredients like vinegar, water, salt, and various seasonings. The resulting dish is then allowed to cool and set, creating a gelatinous texture.

How long should I marinate the souse for the best flavor?

It's best to marinate the souse for at least 1 hour, but for the most intense flavor, let it marinate overnight in the fridge.

Can I use chicken feet instead of pig feet?

Yes, you can substitute pig feet with chicken feet or cow’s feet for a different variation of souse, and the recipe will remain just as flavorful.

How to Make Pig Foot Souse

To make Pig Foot Souse, start by thoroughly cleaning the pig feet with lime and water. Then coat the feet with green seasoning, garlic, minced onion, and seasoning peppers. Cook the pig feet in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes or until tender and falling off the bone. Once cooked, strain the feet and let them cool. In a large bowl, mix the pig feet with thinly sliced onions, seasoning peppers, Chadon Beni leaves, and cucumbers. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and enough water to cover the mixture. Let the feet marinate for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor. Serve chilled with fresh bread and spicy pepper sauce.

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Average: 4.2 (22 votes)
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Serves
8

Ingredients

Seasoning & Cooking
  • 2.2 pounds Pig's Feet

  • 1 piece Lime

  • 2 tablespoons Green Seasoning

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1 small Onion, minced

  • 2 Seasoning Peppers, minced

  • Water for cooking

Souse Marinade
  • 2 Tablespoons Green Seasoning 

  • 1 Onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 Seasoning Peppers, minced

  • 6-9 Chadon Beni Leaves, minced

  • 2 Large Cucumbers, grated & strained

  • 1 piece Lime

  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste

  • Water for soaking

Instructions

Seasoning & Cooking

Wash and rinse the pig's feet with water and the juice of one lime.

Pigs feet in a bowl of water

Coat the pig's feet with green seasoning, garlic, minced onion, and seasoning peppers.

Pigs feet being tossed with marinade

Place the feet into a pressure cooker or heavy bottom pot and fill with water to fully submerge the feet.

Pigs foot cooking in a pot of water

Cover and cook at medium to high in the pressure cooker for 20-30 minutes or until the meat is falling off the bone. If using a heavy bottom pot, cover and cook at medium to high for 1 hour or until the meat is falling off the bone.

Arial view of cooked pigs foot in a pot

Once the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes or until cool to the touch. Strain the feet and discard the cooking liquid.

Pigs foot being strained from the pot

Place the feet in a bowl with a cover

Cooked pigs foot resting with a cover
Souse Marinade

In the bowl with the pig's feet, add the green seasoning, sliced onion, seasoning peppers, chadon beni, cucumbers, and the juice of one lime.

Pigs foot in a bowl with marinade

Mix the feet and seasonings, then add enough water to allow the feet to be submerged.

Pigs foot souse with water being added to the bowl

Add salt and black pepper to taste, cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour before serving. The longer the feet soak, the better the flavor.

Pigs foot souse marinating with a lid on top

Serve in bowls with fresh bread and pepper sauce on the side and enjoy.

Bowl of assembled pigs foot souse
Rachael Ottier Hart
Author:
Culinary Storyteller & Spa Manager

More posts by Rachael Ottier Hart

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Sharon Seiber (not verified)

I love souse and never see it in the store anymore, nor the pigs feet. Such a disappointment!

Permalink 12 Nov 2024

Classic Bakes

It's such a shame that pig's feet are harder to find these days! If you do manage to come across some at a local butcher or supermarket, making souse at home can be a great way to enjoy this delicious dish again. It's definitely worth the effort, especially when you can control the flavors to your liking. I hope you get a chance to try it!

Permalink 13 Nov 2024

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