A classic and delicious method to prepare one of the more unique items on our site!
Author:Alizabeth Anderson
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time:3 ½ hours
Yield:3-4 servings
Ingredients:
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2 whole bison,beef or elk tongue
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1 head of garlic outer dry peel removed, split in half horizontally
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1 white onion, outer peel removed, split in half horizontally
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5 whole dried bay leaves
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15 black peppercorns
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1tablespoondried marjoram
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1tablespoon dried thyme
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1tablespoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper
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2teaspoons of bison,elk or beef tallow (avocado oil would also work)
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1/2 cup finely chopped white onion, divided, (1/4 for cooking the meat and 1/4 to reserve for garnish)
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and upper part of stems, coarsely chopped
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Salsa Verde for topping
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1 lime,quartered foroptional garnish
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10 to 12 tortillas (corn tortillas are traditionally used, choose what you like)
Instructions:
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Place tongue, garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, marjoram, thyme, oregano and 1 tablespoon salt in a casserole or soup pot.
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Cover with water up to 2 inches above the tongue.
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Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle medium simmer, cover with atight-fitting lid and cook for 3 hours, or until the tongue is completely tender and soft.
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Check the water halfway through and add more hot water if needbe to keep the tongue mostly covered.
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Turn off the heat. Let cool slightly in the liquid until you are ready to eat.
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Remove the tongue from the broth andplace it on a chopping board.
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Using a small sharp knife and your hands, remove the outer layer of skin, as well as the bottom part of the tongue, which would attach it to the mouth, as it tends to be harder and greasy. The tongue is easier to peel if it is still warm or hot.
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Slice it into 1/4-inch slices and cut into about a 1/4-inch dice.
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Heattallowin a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add 1/4 cup of the chopped onion and cook for a couple minutes, until softened.
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Incorporate diced tongue, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and the onion has completely softened. Turn off the heat.
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Warm tortillas in your oven, oron a skillet.
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Place the tongue in a bowl and start assembling the tacos: spoon a generous amount of tongue in the middle of the tortilla, spoon a generous amount of salsaVerde on top, and garnish with fresh chopped onion and cilantro.
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If desired, add a gentle squeeze of fresh lime juice.