Name: Excellent Easter aspic according to an old recipe: a hearty delicacy of our grandfathers
Prep time: 150 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1.5 kg pork trotters; 700 g beef bones with marrow; 2 large onions; 3 carrots; 1 parsley root; 1/2 celeriac bulb; 6 garlic cloves; 4 bay leaves; 10 black peppercorns; 5 juniper berries (optional); 3 liters cold water; salt to taste; grated horseradish with a little vinegar; full‑fat mustard; spring onion or regular onion

Preparation procedure

Thoroughly rinse the pork trotters and beef bones in cold water. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water and slowly heat. As soon as foam begins to form on the surface, carefully skim it off. This step is essential for a clear aspic.
After removing the foam, add the onion, carrot, parsley root, celeriac, garlic, bay leaf, pepper and juniper. Reduce the heat to a minimum and let it simmer very gently for at least 2 hours, ideally 3. The broth must not boil vigorously – it should only gently bubble.
Remove the finished broth from the heat. Take out the meat; you can cut it into smaller pieces and use it in the aspic. Discard the vegetables. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cloth so that it is perfectly clear.
Season the broth with salt to taste and let it cool at room temperature. Then place it in the refrigerator, where it will naturally set within a few hours thanks to the collagen. Gelatin is not necessary with the proper method.
Cut the set aspic into slices or cubes. Serve with mustard, horseradish and fresh spring onion.

Quick recipe information

Servings: 8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 120–180 minutes
Total time: approx. 150–210 minutes + chilling

Tips and variations

For a more pronounced flavor you can add a piece of fresh ginger.
In a pressure cooker it can be cooked for about 45 minutes, but the broth must be carefully strained.
The aspic will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, frozen for several months.

Recipe conclusion

Easter aspic is proof that simple ingredients and slow preparation can create an exceptional dish. It’s not just a traditional delicacy, but also a return to the honest cooking of our grandfathers and grandmothers. If you’re looking for a recipe that has flavor, history and meaning, you’ve just found it.