Trini Souse Recipe

Melissa Clark

16 May, 2024

Indulge in the authentic taste of Trinidadian cuisine with our easy-to-follow Trini Souse recipe. Tangy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion!

Trini Souse

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 300 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

Trini souse is a beloved Trinidadian dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many islanders. This flavorful delicacy is typically made with pig trotters, which are cleaned and chopped before being simmered until tender. The trotters are then marinated in a tangy mixture of vinegar, lime juice, spices, and aromatics, creating a burst of vibrant flavors.

One of the defining characteristics of Trini souse is its tanginess, which comes from the combination of vinegar and lime juice used in the marinade. This acidity not only adds a refreshing zing to the dish but also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

In addition to the trotters, Trini souse often features a colorful array of sliced vegetables such as onions, cucumbers, and hot peppers. These veggies not only provide a crunchy contrast to the tender meat but also add a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

Trini souse is enjoyed year-round in Trinidad and Tobago, but it's particularly popular during festive occasions such as Carnival and Christmas. It's commonly served as a hearty snack or appetizer, often accompanied by slices of crusty bread or crackers.

Whether you're a fan of Caribbean cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, Trini souse is a dish that's sure to delight your taste buds with its bold flavors and comforting appeal.

Recipe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Trinidadian cuisine with our tantalizing Trini Souse recipe! Tangy, spicy, and utterly delicious – dive in now!

Ingredients

2 pounds of pig trotters (feet), cleaned and chopped
1 cup of vinegar
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 hot pepper, thinly sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of mustard powder
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Water
Optional: sliced carrots, sliced green bell peppers, sliced radishes

Method Instructions

In a large pot, combine the pig trotters with enough water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the trotters simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
Once the trotters are tender, remove them from the pot and discard the water. Rinse the trotters under cold water to remove any excess fat or debris.
In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, lime juice, salt, black pepper, coriander, mustard powder, and minced garlic. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Add the cooked trotters to the bowl with the vinegar mixture, making sure they are completely submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, arrange the sliced onion, cucumber, hot pepper, and any other optional vegetables on a platter. Remove the trotters from the marinade and arrange them on top of the vegetables.
Serve the souse chilled, with plenty of the marinade spooned over the top. Enjoy the tangy, flavorful goodness of Trinidadian souse!

Adjust the seasonings and spice levels to suit your taste preferences. Souse is often enjoyed with some crusty bread or crackers on the side. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Trini Souse

This is a video about Trini Souse.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 75 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Trini Souse, Trini Souse Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Trini souse is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish, especially on a warm day. Here's how you can serve it:

Arrange on a platter: Transfer the marinated pig trotters onto a serving platter, making sure to include some of the sliced vegetables like onions, cucumbers, and hot peppers.
Garnish: For an extra pop of color and flavor, you can garnish the souse with additional slices of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, radishes, or avocado.
Drizzle with marinade: Spoon some of the marinade over the trotters and vegetables on the platter. This not only adds more flavor but also keeps the dish moist and juicy.
Serve with sides: Trini souse is often enjoyed with traditional sides like slices of crusty bread, crackers, or even boiled provisions such as sweet potatoes, yams, or cassava.
Add condiments: Some people like to serve Trini souse with additional condiments on the side, such as hot sauce or pepper sauce, for those who prefer an extra kick of spice.
Serve chilled: Trini souse is best enjoyed when it's been chilled for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to absorb the tangy marinade.

Tips

Clean the trotters thoroughly: Since Trini souse is made with pig trotters, it's essential to clean them well before cooking to remove any excess fat or debris. This ensures that your dish will be clean and flavorful.
Marinate overnight: While you can marinate the trotters for a few hours, allowing them to marinate overnight in the vinegar mixture will result in more intense flavors and tender meat. Plus, it allows for easy meal prep if you're planning to serve the souse for a special occasion.
Adjust the spice level: Trini souse typically has a bit of heat from the hot peppers, but you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder souse, you can use fewer hot peppers or remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before slicing.
Get creative with toppings: While onions, cucumbers, and hot peppers are traditional toppings for Trini souse, don't be afraid to get creative and add your favorite vegetables or fruits to the mix. Slices of tomatoes, radishes, or even mangoes can add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.
Serve with fresh bread: Trini souse is often served with slices of crusty bread or crackers on the side, which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinade. You can also serve it with boiled provisions like sweet potatoes or cassava for a heartier meal.
Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover Trini souse, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious as leftovers.
Experiment with variations: While the traditional recipe calls for pig trotters, you can experiment with different proteins such as chicken feet or pork belly to create your own unique version of Trini souse. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're unable to find some of the ingredients for Trini souse or prefer alternatives, here are some ingredient substitutions you can consider:

Pig Trotters: If pig trotters are not available or you prefer a different protein, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork belly or pork shoulder. Alternatively, you can use chicken feet or chicken wings for a lighter option.
Vinegar: While white vinegar is commonly used in Trini souse, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Lime Juice: If you don't have fresh limes on hand, you can substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
Hot Pepper: Adjust the spice level by using different types of hot peppers or omitting them altogether if you prefer a milder souse. You can use Scotch bonnet peppers, jalapeños, or even red chili flakes for added heat.
Spices: If you're missing some of the spices like coriander or mustard powder, you can substitute them with ground cumin, paprika, or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preference. You can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, radishes, or even mangoes for a touch of sweetness.
Salt: If you're trying to reduce your sodium intake or prefer a lower-salt option, you can use less salt in the marinade or substitute it with a low-sodium alternative like tamari or soy sauce.
Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste as a substitute. Just adjust the amount according to your taste preference.