Description
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch scrapple—pan-fried to crispy perfection and perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
1 pound pork shoulder or scraps
4 cups pork broth (or water)
1 cup cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground sage
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the pork: Place the pork shoulder or scraps in a large pot, cover with broth or water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Shred the pork: After taking the pork out of the saucepan, allow it to cool somewhat. Shred the beef with your hands or with two forks.
- Thicken the broth: Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and flour into the remaining broth in the pot. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. Add the shredded pork back to the pot with the onions, garlic, and spices.
- Cook the mixture: Simmer it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot—about 20-30 minutes.
- Form the loaf: Pour the mixture into a greased pan and smooth the top. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight, until the loaf is firm.
- Fry the scrapple: Slice the scrapple into ½-inch thick pieces. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat, and fry each slice until golden brown and crispy on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy with your favorite breakfast sides.
Notes
Scrapple is a beloved dish that brings together the humble scraps of meat with the heartiness of cornmeal. It embodies the spirit of resourcefulness, making use of every part of the pig. The key to a great scrapple lies in the seasoning; a perfect blend of sage and thyme elevates the flavor and pays homage to its Pennsylvania Dutch roots. Don’t rush the frying process—let it develop a golden-brown crust for that delightful crunch. Serve it hot, with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of apple butter for a touch of sweetness. Enjoy this comforting dish as a satisfying start to your day!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American (specifically Pennsylvania Dutch)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
