Lard, also known as lard, pork fat, and lard, is an animal oil extracted from the subcutaneous fat or visceral fat of pigs. It is one of the traditional edible oils in China and has a long history and culture. Lard can be used for cooking, and it can also be used to make snacks, pastries, soaps, etc., and is a versatile ingredient.
Generally speaking, the process of making lard can be divided into the following steps:
Material selection. First of all, it is necessary to choose fresh, clean and odorless lard raw materials, which are generally the subcutaneous fat of pigs, or parts that contain more fat. The selected lard raw materials should be washed and chopped to facilitate subsequent processing.
Boil. Put the chopped lard ingredients into the pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and slowly boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to evaporate the water and ooze the grease to seep out. This process requires patience and care to prevent the pan from spilling out. The boiling time depends on the amount of raw materials and the size of the fire, generally it takes about 1-2 hours, until the oil and water are separated, the oil is golden yellow, and the oil residue becomes dry and brittle.
Oil filtration. Pour the boiled lard out of the pan and strain it with a fine mesh or gauze to remove impurities and oil residue to get a clear lard liquid. When filtering oil, it is necessary to pay attention to prevent scalding, and it should also be carried out as soon as possible to avoid oil solidification.
Reserve. Put the filtered lard liquid into a clean glass bottle or ceramic jar, keep it tightly sealed, and keep it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. When the oil is completely cooled, it will solidify into a white or yellowish solid, which is called lard. If stored properly, lard can last for several months or even more than a year without spoiling.
This is the process of refining lard, it does not seem complicated, as long as you have the right ingredients and tools, you can make lard at home. Of course, if you find it troublesome, you can also buy ready-made lard directly in the market, but pay attention to choosing products with good quality and hygienic qualifications, and avoid inferior or adulterated oils.
Lard can be used not only for cooking, but also for making snacks, pastries, soaps, etc., and is a versatile ingredient. Here are some common uses of lard:
Cooking. Lard can be used for stir-frying, frying, stewing, steaming, etc., it can increase the aroma and umami of food, making food more delicious. Lard can also be used to make condiments such as soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil to add flavor and color to food. Lard can also be used to make hot pot bases, brine, soup stocks, etc., to increase the richness and mellowness of food.
Make dim sum. Lard can be used to make all kinds of dim sum, such as moon cakes, shortbread, twist flowers, fritters, steamed buns, buns, etc., which can make dim sum more crispy, sweet, soft and glutinous. Lard can also be used to make candies, chocolate, cream, ice cream, etc., which can make candies more delicate, lubricated, and fragrant.
Make pastries. Lard can be used to make various pastries, such as cakes, breads, biscuits, tarts, pies, etc., which can make pastries more fluffy, moist, and mellow. Lard can also be used to make cheese, cream, shakes, etc., which can make dairy products richer, smoother, and sweeter.
Make soap. Lard can be used to make soap, which can make the soap harder, durable, and foamy. Lard can also be used to make skin care products, cosmetics, etc., which can make ** more moisturized, smooth, and soft.
These are some of the uses for lard, do you know more about it and love it?Although lard is an animal oil, it does not mean that it is unhealthy. As long as it is consumed in moderation, lard can bring a lot of benefits to our body and life. Of course, if you have a special physical condition or dietary habits, you can also choose other edible oils according to your needs, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, peanut oil, etc., which also have their own advantages and characteristics.
Lard is a traditional cooking oil that is an essential ingredient in many cuisines. The process of refining lard is not complicated, and as long as you have the right ingredients and tools, you can make lard at home. Lard can be used not only for cooking, but also for making snacks, pastries, soaps, etc., and is a versatile ingredient.
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