What is Rillettes and how to cook it

Rillettes – French cuisine, snack, popular around the world. Despite the elegant name, this is a very simple dish of very affordable products. That’s just the time to prepare Rillettes, it will take about 6 hours.

Rillettes very similar to pate, only its structure is more coarse. Classic Rillettes is prepared from fatty meats and long-cooked in fat until it becomes soft and begins to separate the fibers. Cooling down and mixing with the fat, the meat acquires a texture of the French riata.

There are many varieties of this recipe. The French cook duck rillettes or chicken, tuna or salmon. Served as an appetizer with slices of toasted bread or fresh vegetables.

Not to be confused Rillettes and terrine. The last one is prepared with cream and has an even greater caloric value. In addition, often fill the terrine with melted fat or jelly.

Cooking secrets of Rillettes

For the preparation of Rillettesa better suited to fatty meats or fish. To make the dish lighter, you can add vegetables, herbs and alcohol. Meat should be at least 75 percent of the total composition.

For the preparation of riata you will need a heavy-bottomed pot. Rillettes traditionally cooked in a clay pot, but a cast iron pan will do.

Rillettes chicken with pumpkin

For cooking meals you will need 500 grams chicken, 100 grams of pumpkin pulp, 3 cloves garlic and one medium onion, then taste dried thyme, rosemary and Basil, peppercorns and Bay leaf and resin.

1. Cut the chicken into large chunks, after removing the skin.
2. Put the chicken in a small pan, and on top add the diced pumpkin flesh, peeled garlic cloves and onions, pre-peeled and cut into 4 parts.
3. Sprinkle all spices, add black peppercorns and Bay leaves.
4. Place a small pan with the ingredients into a large, filling it with water to make a water bath.
5. Over high heat bring water to a boil, and then reduce the heat and cover with a small saucepan lid. Leave the dish to stew for about 5 hours. Regularly add some water and put the chicken pieces with a wooden spatula.
6. About an hour after the start of cooking its tome to salt Rillettes.
7. After 5 hours remove the pan from the heat and allow the ingredients to cool slightly.
8. Put then all in a convenient bowl, remove the peas black pepper and Bay leaves.
9. Separate the chicken meat from the bones and mash it with a fork and mix with vegetables. Mix, add salt.

Stored starter in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

How to make the duck Rillettes watch in the video below: