Romanian cuisine makes hearty use of various parts of the pig, reflecting a tradition deeply rooted in the country’s rural heritage and culinary history. Here are some of the pork parts commonly used in Romanian food:
Pork Belly (Slănină): Slănină is a popular ingredient in Romanian cuisine. It’s essentially pork belly that has been salted and cured, sometimes seasoned with garlic and other spices. It’s often served thinly sliced as an appetizer or used to add flavor to soups, stews, and various dishes.
Pork Shoulder (Pulpă): 
Pork shoulder is a versatile cut used in many Romanian dishes. It’s often roasted, braised, or stewed to create flavorful main courses. Pulă can be seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices, and it’s a common choice for traditional holiday meals and celebrations.
Pork Sausages (Cârnați): Cârnați are Romanian sausages made from ground pork mixed with spices such as garlic, pepper, and paprika. They can be grilled, fried, or boiled and are often enjoyed with mustard, bread, and pickles.
Pork Ribs (Coaste de Porc): Pork ribs are a beloved delicacy in Romanian cuisine. They’re typically marinated with a mixture of garlic, herbs, and spices before being grilled or roasted to perfection. Coaste de porc are enjoyed as a main course or as part of a festive meal.
Pork Hocks (Picioare de Porc): Pork hocks are a flavorful and economical cut often used in soups, stews, and traditional dishes like “Ciorbă de Câlcâi” (pork hock soup). They add richness and depth of flavor to dishes and are especially popular during the colder months.
Pork Liver (Ficat de Porc): Pork liver is used in various Romanian recipes, including liver pâté, liver sausages, and liver stews. It’s rich in flavor and nutrients and is often paired with onions, garlic, and spices to create delicious and hearty dishes.
Pork Fat (Untură): Pork fat, known as untură in Romanian, is rendered pork fat used for cooking and flavoring dishes. It’s commonly used to sauté vegetables, fry potatoes, and add richness to soups and stews.
These are just a few examples of the pork parts used in Romanian cuisine. The use of pork reflects the country’s agricultural traditions and the importance of pork in the Romanian diet throughout history. From festive holiday meals to everyday comfort food, pork plays a central role in many Romanian dishes, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage.
