Three Unusual Amish Foods Plus Recipes

The Amish, known for their simple and traditional way of life, have a unique culinary culture that reflects their agricultural practices and resourcefulness. While many of their dishes are familiar, there are a few unusual Amish foods that stand out:

1. Scrapple:
   • Scrapple is a distinctive Amish dish that reflects their resourceful approach to food. It is a type of breakfast meat that originated as a way to use up pork scraps and offal. Typically made with pork, cornmeal, flour, and spices, scrapple is formed into a loaf, sliced, and pan-fried until crispy. While its ingredients might raise eyebrows, scrapple has a long history in Amish cuisine and is appreciated for its hearty and savory flavor.
2. Pickled Red Beet Eggs:
   • Pickled red beet eggs are a unique and vibrant Amish delicacy often found at potlucks and community gatherings. Hard-boiled eggs are soaked in a mixture of pickled beet juice, vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving them a distinctive magenta hue. Besides their striking appearance, pickled red beet eggs have a sweet and tangy flavor that makes them a popular accompaniment to salads or as a snack. The combination of sweet, sour, and earthy flavors creates a unique taste experience.
3. Chow-Chow:
   • Chow-Chow is a traditional Amish relish that combines a variety of pickled vegetables in a sweet and tangy brine. The ingredients typically include green beans, bell peppers, cabbage, onions, and sometimes cauliflower. Chow-Chow is seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, and other spices, resulting in a flavorful and colorful relish. It is often served as a condiment alongside main dishes, providing a zesty and crunchy element to the meal. The unique combination of vegetables and spices distinguishes Chow-Chow as a notable Amish culinary creation.

These unusual Amish foods showcase the community’s commitment to utilizing local ingredients, minimizing waste, and creating flavorful dishes that have stood the test of time. While their culinary choices may seem unconventional to outsiders, they reflect the practical and sustainable approach that defines the Amish way of life.

The Amish community, renowned for their traditional way of life and culinary prowess, has gifted the world with an array of unique and delightful dishes. While some may find their culinary creations unconventional, the Amish have a knack for turning humble ingredients into delectable delights. In this article, we’ll explore recipes for three unusual Amish foods that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and pique your culinary curiosity.

1. Scrapple: A Hearty Breakfast Staple
   • Ingredients:
     • 1 pound pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
     • 1/2 pound pork liver
     • 3 cups cornmeal
     • 1 cup all-purpose flour
     • 1 teaspoon salt
     • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
     • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
     • 6 cups water
   • Instructions:
     1. In a large pot, combine pork shoulder, pork liver, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is tender.
     2. Remove meat from pot and let cool slightly. Reserve cooking liquid.
     3. In a food processor, grind cooked pork shoulder and liver until finely chopped.
     4. Return chopped meat to the pot with reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer.
     5. Gradually whisk in cornmeal and flour until mixture thickens.
     6. Season with salt, pepper, sage, and thyme, stirring well to combine.
     7. Pour mixture into greased loaf pans and refrigerate overnight to set.
     8. Slice scrapple into 1/2-inch thick slices and fry in a skillet until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
     9. Serve hot with maple syrup or apple butter for a hearty Amish breakfast.
2. Pickled Red Beet Eggs: A Tangy Treat
   • Ingredients:
     • 12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
     • 2 cups pickled beet juice (from canned beets)
     • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
     • 1/4 cup sugar
     • 1 teaspoon salt
     • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
     • 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
   • Instructions:
     1. In a medium saucepan, combine pickled beet juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard seeds, and celery seeds. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
     2. Place peeled hard-boiled eggs in a large glass jar or container.
     3. Pour hot pickling liquid over the eggs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
     4. Seal jar or container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to develop.
     5. Serve pickled red beet eggs as a colorful and tangy appetizer or snack, or slice and add to salads for a burst of flavor and color.
3. Chow-Chow: A Zesty Relish
   • Ingredients:
     • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
     • 2 cups diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
     • 2 cups shredded cabbage
     • 1 cup diced onions
     • 1 cup diced cauliflower
     • 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
     • 1 cup granulated sugar
     • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
     • 1 teaspoon turmeric
     • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
     • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
     • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
   • Instructions:
     1. In a large pot, combine green beans, bell peppers, cabbage, onions, and cauliflower.
     2. In a separate saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
     3. Pour hot vinegar mixture over vegetables in the pot.
     4. Stir well to combine, then return pot to medium heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
     5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
     6. Transfer chow-chow to sterilized jars and seal tightly.
     7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
     8. Serve chow-chow as a tangy relish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a flavorful condiment for a variety of dishes.

Conclusion: These three unusual Amish recipes offer a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Amish community. From the hearty comfort of scrapple to the tangy delight of pickled red beet eggs and the zesty flavor of chow-chow, each dish is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of Amish cooks. Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors or simply seeking a taste of tradition, these recipes are sure to satisfy your appetite for something unique and delicious.