By Juliet Mettle-Edmonds
Have you ever tried this all-time favourite recipe? Pig feet sauce or ‘Nane flor’. It is considered one of the most delicious parts of the pig. When the meat comes off the grill, the skin becomes crispy and a little chewy, the meat and tendons on the inside, extremely tender. You are best off breaking them down into portions that are easily gnawed. The feet or trotters are finger-licking good and to add to the pleasure of the experience, served with rice, kenkey or yam. Chopology today is heading to Bukom, in Accra for a serving of this delicious sauce.
Pigs’ feet or trotters in English, Nane in Ga, Afo in Ewe, Preko Nai in Akan is enjoyed by many in Ghana. There is very little meat, but plenty of gelatin in the skin and bones to give body to the liquid. If you are going to eat them whole, it would be a shame not to get the skin crispy. Pig feet have thick skin and connective tissues. They contain little meat, but a lot of gelatin in the skin and bones. Pig feet are tender, juicy and flavorful and cooked either low and slow in a rich sauce. In the Greater Accra region, the Gas are pretty well known for the preparation and sale of this recipe. So, on your kitchen counter, you must have the pig feet, singe your trotters and cut them into smaller chunks. Rinse them thoroughly in cold water and put pieces in a large saucepan or pot. Make sure your trotters are covered with enough water. Add ginger, garlic and green onion and allow it to cook for about an hour. Then set it aside when it is done. To prepare the stew – first, put oil in a pan on the fire, add canned tomatoes, onion, chopped tomatoes and your spices. Allow it to cook for some minutes, not forgetting to keep an eye on it. Then add your pig feet and allow the sauce to simmer until it becomes completely tender. Our ‘Nane flor’ is ready. It serves well with rice, yam, kenkey, banku or eba. Trotters are considered to be good for your skin as they are loaded with collagen, which helps prevent wrinkles and aging. As a result, it is also called “beauty food” in China. They say, if your plate is full, then you’re happy. And if you eat with your friends and family, the meal always tastes better.
