Italian Tripe Recipe

Ingredients:

2.2 lb beef tripe cleaned

1 onion for pre-cooking the tripe

1 carrot for pre-cooking the tripe

1 rib celery for pre-cooking the tripe

1 onion chopped

½ carrot chopped

1 rib celery chopped

28 oz crushed tomatoes

handful fresh mint minced

4 tbsp pecorino romano cheese finely grated

½ cup dry white wine

4 tbsp olive oil or as needed

fresh chili peppers to taste

fine salt to taste

black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Pre-Cook the Tripe

Boil the tripe for 15 minutes in salted water with a whole onion, carrot and celery to remove the last of the odor.

Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Tripe

Coat the bottom of a skillet generously with olive oil.

Sauté the chopped onion, carrot and celery over medium-low heat until the onions start to appear translucent.

Add the tripe to the vegetables and salt and pepper to taste.

Cook for a few minutes over medium heat.

Add a ½ cup of white wine.

Stir, and cook until the wine has evaporated.

Make the Sauce

Add crushed tomato and a 1 1/2 cups of water to the tripe.

Bring the sauce to a boil. Add a handful of fresh mint and a pinch of salt.

Cover and cook the tripe in the sauce over medium-low heat for 2 hours.

Finish with Pecorino Cheese

After the two hours, turn off the heat and add about 4 Tbs of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Stir to melt the cheese.

Feel free to top with more pecorino when you serve the dish.

Notes:

Preparation of Tripe: The recipe involves pre-cooking the tripe by boiling it for 15 minutes in salted water with onion, carrot, and celery. This step helps remove any residual odor from the tripe before further cooking.

Sautéing Vegetables: Chopped onion, carrot, and celery are sautéed in olive oil until translucent. This adds a flavorful base to the dish.

Adding Tripe and Wine: The pre-cooked tripe is added to the sautéed vegetables along with seasoning (salt and pepper) and then cooked briefly before adding dry white wine. Cooking the wine until it evaporates helps enhance the flavor of the dish.

Creating the Sauce: Crushed tomatoes and water are added to the tripe mixture along with fresh mint and additional seasoning (salt and pepper). This sauce is simmered for a long period (2 hours) over medium-low heat to tenderize the tripe and allow the flavors to meld.

Finishing Touch with Pecorino Cheese: After simmering, the dish is finished by stirring in grated Pecorino Romano cheese, which adds a savory and salty element to the sauce.

Garnishing and Serving: The Italian Tripe is typically served topped with additional Pecorino cheese and fresh chili peppers to taste, adding a final touch of flavor and spice.

Nutritional Content: The dish provides a good balance of nutrients, including protein from the tripe, calcium from the Pecorino cheese, and vitamins from the vegetables and tomatoes.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef tripe?

Beef tripe is traditional for this recipe, but you can experiment with other meats like pork or chicken if you prefer.

However, the cooking time and flavors may vary.

Where can I buy beef tripe?

Beef tripe is available at many butcher shops, specialty meat markets, or larger grocery stores.

Ask your local butcher for cleaned beef tripe.

Can I omit the wine from the recipe?

Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can skip it.

The dish will still have a rich flavor from the other ingredients.

How can I adjust the spice level in the dish?

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less fresh chili peppers according to your preference.

You can also use mild or hot peppers based on your heat tolerance.

What can I serve with Italian tripe?

Italian tripe is often served with crusty bread, polenta, or over pasta.

It pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

In fact, the flavors may even improve with time as they meld together.

How should I store leftover Italian tripe?

Store leftover tripe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Is it necessary to boil the tripe before cooking?

Boiling the tripe helps remove any strong odors and pre-cooks it slightly.

This step is recommended for better flavor and texture.

Can I substitute Pecorino Romano cheese with another cheese?

Pecorino Romano cheese adds a specific tangy flavor, but you can substitute it with Parmesan cheese if needed.

The taste will be slightly different.

What are the health benefits of eating beef tripe?

Beef tripe is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.

It also contains essential amino acids and nutrients that support overall health.