Trinidad Chicken Foot Souse

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Chicken foot wasn’t always my favorite. But in souse, I made an exception.

Something about the way the chicken foot was seasoned and simmered in a tangy, flavorful broth made it soft, delicious, and hard to resist.

Trinidad chicken foot souse is a unique and popular dish that combines flavorful seasoning, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice for a taste you won’t forget.

What is Chicken Foot Souse?

Chicken foot souse is a dish, popular in Trinidad and Tobago, and is enjoyed across the Caribbean.

It’s made by boiling chicken feet until they’re tender and then marinating them in a citrusy, herb-infused mixture. The result is a refreshing, tangy, and mildly spicy dish that’s perfect for hot days or as a unique appetizer.

The chicken feet, or “chicken foot” as locals often say, may sound like an unusual ingredient, but it’s a delicacy in many Caribbean kitchens. Souse has a refreshing taste and is enjoyed as a casual dish with alcohol at social gatherings.

Why People Love Chicken Foot Souse

Despite its main ingredient, chicken foot souse is popular because of its unique flavors and textures. The limey marinade tenderizes the chicken foot, making it soft and flavorful.

The dish is seasoned with green seasoning, fresh herbs, and spices.

How to Make Trinidad Chicken Foot Souse?

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken feet, cleaned and trimmed
• 4 cups water (for boiling)
• 2-3 tbsp green seasoning
• 2 cups cold water (for souse mixture)
• 1/2 cup lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 hot pepper (optional), sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley and chadon beni

How to Make Chicken Foot Souse?

Prepare the Chicken Feet

Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken feet. Trim off any sharp nails or tough bits, if needed. Rinse them under cold water and then place them in a pot of water to boil.

Boil the Chicken Feet

Add the water to the pot with the chicken feet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the chicken feet simmer for about 20 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of green seasoning to the pot to add flavor while they cook.

Drain and Cool

Once the chicken feet are tender, drain the water and set them aside to cool slightly. This step helps them absorb the flavors better when they are marinated.

Prepare the Souse Marinade

Combine the cold water, lime juice, remaining green seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced cucumber, onion, and hot pepper.

Marinate the Chicken Feet

Add the boiled chicken feet to the bowl with the marinade. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken feet are fully coated in the flavorful mixture. Allow the chicken foot souse to marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, though it’s even better if left overnight.

Garnish and Serve

Before serving, taste the souse and adjust the salt and lime juice if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chadon beni for added flavor and color. Serve the souse cold for a refreshing, tangy dish.

Storing Chicken Foot Souse

You can store chicken foot souse in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The acidic lime juice and salt act as natural preservatives, keeping the chicken feet fresh while enhancing the flavor over time.

Keep the souse in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.

If you plan to keep it longer, consider marinating the chicken feet separately and adding the cucumber and onions just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Why Use Green Seasoning in Chicken Foot Souse?

Green seasoning is an essential ingredient in Trinidadian cooking, and it gives chicken foot souse its Caribbean flavor.

Green seasoning is made by blending fresh herbs like chadon beni (similar to cilantro), thyme, garlic, scallions, and sometimes hot peppers.

This seasoning mix is incredibly aromatic and adds depth to the souse.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Foot Souse

• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice has a brighter, tangier taste than bottled lime juice and makes a big difference in the flavor.
• Let it Marinate: The longer you let the chicken feet marinate, the better the flavors will be. Overnight marinating helps the chicken feet fully absorb the tangy, spicy, and herbal notes of the souse.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love spicy food, add a few slices of hot pepper to the marinade. For a milder version, skip the pepper or use just a small slice.

Wrapping Up

Trinidadian chicken foot souse is a dish rich in flavor and tradition, combining tender chicken feet with the tangy, zesty taste of lime and green seasoning.

Despite its unique main ingredient, chicken foot souse is loved across the Caribbean for its refreshing, herbal flavors and easy preparation.

More Chicken Foot Recipes

• Caribbean Chicken Foot Soup Recipe