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Traditional Kholodets Recipe

2022-10-31

By Chef Yaroslav

Ukranian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Efficient Ways to Make Kholodets: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Induction Cooker

Slow Cooker Kholodets: Create Perfectly Set Jelly-Like Meat with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker to gently simmer the meat (usually pork or beef) with vegetables, herbs, and water for several hours. The low and slow heat allows the flavors to meld together, and the collagen in the meat helps form the gelatin needed for the jelly texture.

Instant Pot Kholodets: Make Tender Meat and Jelly Fast with Pressure Cooking

Use the Instant Pot’s "pressure cook" function to cook the meat and broth in a fraction of the time. The high pressure helps break down the collagen quickly, allowing the gelatin to form, while the "saute" function is great for browning the meat before pressure cooking for extra flavor.

Induction Cooker Kholodets: Achieve Perfect Gelatin Extraction with Precise Temperature Control

Use the induction cooker for precise temperature control when simmering the meat and broth. This ensures you achieve the perfect temperature to extract gelatin from the meat without overboiling or undercooking, giving you a smooth, perfectly set kholodets.

Tips and Suggestions on Kholodets

Choosing the right meat

Kholodets is traditionally made with pork, beef, or chicken, and it's important to choose a meat with enough connective tissue to create a gelatinous texture when cooked.

Preparing the meat

Preparing the meat can be time-consuming, as it needs to be simmered slowly for several hours to allow the connective tissue to break down. Skimming the broth is also important to ensure a clear and flavorful end product.

Straining the broth

Straining the broth is a labor-intensive process, as it needs to be completely clear before it can be used to make kholodets. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any impurities or cloudiness from the broth

Assembling the dish

Assembling the kholodets can be challenging, as it needs to be arranged in layers and allowed to set properly. Be patient and take your time to ensure that each layer is evenly distributed and well compacted.

Serving the kholodets

Serving the kholodets can be tricky, as it needs to be removed from the mold without breaking or sticking. Dip the mold in hot water for a few seconds to loosen the kholodets, then invert it onto a plate and carefully remove the mold.

Classic Kholodets Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork leg
  • 1 kg beef shank
  • 2 kg chicken legs
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • 2 garlic bulbs, halved
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 10 black peppercorns
  • 10 allspice berries
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp horseradish
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Place all meats, onions, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice berries and salt in a large pot. Add water and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-6 hours, or until meats are very tender.
  3. Remove meat and strain broth. Discard onions, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns and allspice berries.
  4. Remove meat from bones and shred. Discard bones, gristle and skin.
  5. Mix shredded meat with 1-2 cups of the strained broth. The broth will thicken when refrigerated.
  6. Transfer meat mixture to a mold or loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or until solid.
  7. To serve, remove kholodets from mold and slice. Garnish with horseradish and chopped parsley.
  8. Serve cold.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 60 min

Cook Time 360 min

Total time 420 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Protein: 38 g

Variations for Kholodets

Miso Aspic

This version is made with rich miso, delicate agar-agar, and vibrant vegetables, creating a flavorful, savory aspic that delights the palate.

Vegan Sweetcorn Miso Aspic Recipe

Soba Aspic

This version is made with silky soba noodles, seasoned broth, and fresh vegetables, creating a light, savory aspic perfect for summer.

Soba and Vegetable Aspic

Pork and Chicken Aspic

This version is made with tender pork, juicy chicken, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a savory aspic that’s rich and satisfying.

Pork and Chicken Jelly

Chicken, Pork and Beef Aspic

This version is made with a delightful blend of chicken, pork, and beef, creating a rich aspic packed with flavor.

Chicken, Pork, and Beef Kholodets

Turkey Aspic

This version is made with succulent turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a refreshing aspic that's perfect for gatherings.

Turkey Kholodets

Cucumber Aspic

This version is made with crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and tangy broth, creating a light and refreshing aspic perfect for summer.

Cucumber Aspic

Tomato Aspic

This version is made with ripe tomatoes, zesty seasonings, and aromatic herbs, delivering a vibrant and flavorful aspic that's visually stunning.

Tomato Aspic

Kholodets Recipe Review

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