Hog Maw, also known as “pig’s stomach,” is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and rooted in comfort. It’s made by stuffing a cleaned pig’s stomach with a savory mixture of sausage, potatoes, and onions, and then baking it to perfection. The pig’s stomach acts as a casing, similar to sausage, holding in all the delicious flavors and juices of the filling. The result is a crispy, golden outer layer with a tender, flavorful interior. Hog Maw is often served at special gatherings and holidays, offering a taste of old-world cooking that’s rich, satisfying, and full of tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cleaned pig’s stomach (available from specialty butchers)
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage (or a mixture of ground pork and sausage)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground sage
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, mix together the pork sausage, diced potatoes, chopped onion, cabbage (if using), salt, pepper, sage, and nutmeg. Add the water or broth to moisten the mixture slightly.
- Stuff the Pig’s Stomach:
- Carefully stuff the pig’s stomach with the sausage and potato mixture. Do not overfill, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Sew or tie the open end of the stomach closed with kitchen twine.
- Bake the Hog Maw:
- Place the stuffed stomach in a roasting pan, seam side down. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Crisp the Exterior:
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the stomach to crisp and brown.
- Serve:
- Let the hog maw rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thick pieces. Serve with sauerkraut or mashed potatoes for a traditional meal.
Hog Maw is a unique, comforting dish that celebrates simple ingredients with rich, hearty flavors. It’s a true Pennsylvania Dutch favorite, perfect for special occasions or when you want a meal that feels nostalgic and filling.
