Goats Head Soup is made with a rich blend of ingredients including succulent goats head, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful herbs and spices. This hearty Goats Head Soup recipe creates a traditional and satisfying dish that takes about 3 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Goats Head Soup Ingredients
- 1 goat’s head, cleaned and halved
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 cups water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or vinegar for serving
Goats Head Soup Instructions
- Rinse the goat’s head thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to halve the head, if it hasn’t been done already.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the goat’s head halves and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the head halves from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the goat’s head halves to the pot. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Once the meat is tender, remove the goat’s head halves from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use a knife and fork to carefully remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Goat’s Head Soup hot, garnished with a dash of hot sauce or a splash of vinegar, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker: For a more hands-off approach, consider cooking the soup in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. This can help tenderize the meat and develop deep flavors over a longer period of time.
- Add Aromatics Early: Sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding the goat’s head and liquid can enhance the overall flavor of the soup. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Choose Fresh Herbs if Available: While dried herbs work well, using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can add brightness and freshness to the soup. Add them towards the end of cooking for optimal flavor.
How To Store Goats Head Soup
Refrigerate: Once the Goat’s Head Soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. The Goat’s Head Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
How To Reheat Leftover Goats Head Soup
On the Stove: Transfer the leftover Goat’s Head Soup to a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot all the way through.
In The Microwave: Pour a serving of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splatters. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbling.
What To Serve Goats Head Soup
Goat’s Head Soup pairs well with crusty bread, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, and a fresh green salad. It also can be served alongside mashed potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, and garlic bread for better savoring of the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, salt, and pepper according to your liking. You can also add other seasonings like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of goat’s head?
Yes, you can substitute goat’s head with other cuts of goat meat such as shoulder or leg. You can also try using lamb or beef for a different flavor.
How do I clean and prepare the goat’s head for cooking?
To clean the goat’s head, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and remove any excess fat or debris. You can also ask your butcher to clean and halve the head for you.
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Goats Head Soup Recipe
Description
Goats Head Soup is made with a rich blend of ingredients including succulent goats head, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful herbs and spices. This hearty Goats Head Soup recipe creates a traditional and satisfying dish that takes about 3 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the goat’s head thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to halve the head, if it hasn’t been done already.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the goat’s head halves and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the head halves from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the goat’s head halves to the pot. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Once the meat is tender, remove the goat’s head halves from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Use a knife and fork to carefully remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and any excess fat.
- Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Goat’s Head Soup hot, garnished with a dash of hot sauce or a splash of vinegar, if desired.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.