Goetta Galore: Delicious Recipes for the Cincinnati German Breakfast Treat
Goetta, pronounced “get-uh,” is a unique and savory breakfast sausage originating from the German immigrants of Cincinnati, Ohio. This hearty dish, often described as a cross between sausage and grits, is a delightful blend of ground meat (typically pork, beef, or a combination), pinhead oats, and a blend of spices. While goetta is readily available in Cincinnati grocery stores, making it from scratch allows for customization and a truly authentic experience. This article delves into the history of goetta, provides a comprehensive guide to making traditional goetta, and explores exciting variations and recipes to elevate your goetta game.
The History of Goetta: A Cincinnati Staple
Goetta’s roots can be traced back to the Westphalian region of Germany, where similar meat-and-grain preparations were common. As German immigrants settled in Cincinnati during the 19th century, they brought their culinary traditions with them. Goetta emerged as a way to stretch meat supplies and utilize inexpensive ingredients like oats. The hearty dish provided a filling and affordable meal for working-class families. Over time, goetta became a beloved Cincinnati staple, deeply ingrained in the city’s culinary identity.
The Foundation: Making Traditional Goetta
Creating traditional goetta from scratch is a rewarding process. The following recipe provides a detailed guide to making a classic version:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds ground meat (1 pound ground pork, 1 pound ground beef, or a combination)
* 8 cups water
* 1 cup pinhead oats (also known as steel-cut oats)
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon ground bay leaf (or 1 bay leaf, removed after cooking)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic to taste.
**Equipment:**
* Large stockpot or Dutch oven
* Mixing spoon
* 9×13 inch baking pan or loaf pans
* Plastic wrap or parchment paper
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Meat and Water:** In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the ground meat and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. It is important to ensure the meat is broken up and no large clumps remain. This ensures even cooking.
2. **Simmer and Skim:** Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step helps to create a cleaner and better tasting goetta.
3. **Add Oats and Onion:** After simmering for an hour, add the pinhead oats and chopped onion to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. **Season the Mixture:** Add the salt, pepper, allspice, bay leaf (if using), and nutmeg to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. **Cook and Stir:** Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the oats are cooked through and the mixture has thickened significantly. Stir frequently, especially during the last hour, to prevent sticking and burning. The goetta is ready when it is thick enough to hold its shape.
6. **Prepare the Pan:** While the goetta is cooking, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan or loaf pans by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper. This prevents the goetta from sticking and makes it easier to remove after it has cooled.
7. **Pour and Cool:** Once the goetta is cooked to the desired consistency, remove the bay leaf (if used) and carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan(s). Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. **Chill and Set:** Cover the pan(s) with plastic wrap or parchment paper, pressing it gently onto the surface of the goetta to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the goetta to firm up completely. This step is crucial for achieving the proper texture.
Cooking Goetta: Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust
Once the goetta has chilled and set, it’s time to cook it. The key to delicious goetta is achieving a crispy, browned crust while keeping the inside tender.
**Instructions:**
1. **Slice the Goetta:** Remove the chilled goetta from the pan and slice it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. The thickness is a matter of personal preference; thicker slices will be softer inside, while thinner slices will be crispier.
2. **Heat a Skillet:** Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. The amount of fat depends on the pan’s non-stick properties. Cast iron pans might need more fat.
3. **Cook the Slices:** Place the goetta slices in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the heat of your pan.
4. **Serve Hot:** Serve the cooked goetta immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions: Enhancing Your Goetta Experience
Goetta is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
* **Classic Breakfast:** Serve goetta with fried eggs, toast, and a side of applesauce or maple syrup. This is the quintessential goetta experience.
* **Goetta Sandwich:** Create a delicious sandwich by layering goetta with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments on bread or a bun.
* **Goetta Burger:** Use goetta as a burger patty for a unique and flavorful twist. Top with your favorite burger toppings.
* **Goetta Hash:** Crumble cooked goetta and mix it with potatoes, onions, and peppers for a hearty and satisfying hash.
* **Goetta Pizza:** Use goetta as a topping on homemade or store-bought pizza for a Cincinnati-style pizza experience.
* **Goetta Quesadillas:** Add cooked goetta to quesadillas with cheese and other fillings for a quick and easy meal.
* **Goetta Benedict:** Elevate your Eggs Benedict by using goetta instead of Canadian bacon. Top with hollandaise sauce for a decadent treat.
Goetta Variations: Exploring Different Flavors
While traditional goetta is delicious on its own, there are endless possibilities for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some exciting variations to try:
* **Spicy Goetta:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick. You could also use spicy Italian sausage as part of the meat blend.
* **Italian Goetta:** Incorporate Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese into the mixture for an Italian-inspired flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes would also be a welcome addition.
* **Cajun Goetta:** Add Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and Andouille sausage to the mixture for a taste of Louisiana. Consider adding the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onions, bell peppers, and celery.
* **Vegetarian Goetta:** Substitute the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or other plant-based protein sources for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
* **Apple Cinnamon Goetta:** Add diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar to the mixture for a sweet and savory twist. This is a great option for fall.
* **Breakfast Goetta Scramble:** Crumble cooked goetta and scramble with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables for a hearty and customizable breakfast.
* **Goetta Stuffed Peppers:** Use cooked goetta as a filling for bell peppers, along with rice, vegetables, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Goetta Recipes
Ready to take your goetta skills to the next level? Here are some more advanced recipes that showcase the versatility of this Cincinnati classic:
**Goetta Cornbread:**
This recipe combines the savory flavor of goetta with the comforting texture of cornbread. It’s a perfect side dish or a hearty snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup cooked and crumbled goetta
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, and egg. Whisk well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the crumbled goetta and cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
**Goetta Chili:**
Adding goetta to chili creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound ground beef or turkey
* 1 cup cooked and crumbled goetta
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 packet chili seasoning
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, crumbled goetta, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings.
**Goetta Quiche:**
This savory quiche is a delicious way to use leftover goetta. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
* 1 cup cooked and crumbled goetta
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 4 eggs
* 1 cup milk or half-and-half
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle the crumbled goetta, shredded cheese, and chopped onion evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the goetta and cheese in the pie crust.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Goetta Perfection
* **Use High-Quality Meat:** The flavor of goetta is heavily influenced by the quality of the meat used. Opt for high-quality ground pork and/or beef for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Simmering:** The long simmering time is essential for developing the flavor and texture of goetta. Be patient and allow the mixture to simmer for the recommended amount of time.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stirring frequently, especially during the last hour of cooking, is crucial for preventing the goetta from sticking and burning. This also helps to ensure even cooking.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the goetta mixture throughout the cooking process and add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
* **Experiment with Different Oats:** While pinhead oats are traditionally used in goetta, you can experiment with other types of oats, such as steel-cut oats or rolled oats. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of oats used.
* **Make a Big Batch:** Goetta freezes well, so consider making a big batch and freezing it in individual portions for future use. This makes it easy to enjoy goetta whenever you want.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and serving suggestions. Goetta is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste.
Where to Find Goetta in Cincinnati (and Beyond!)
If you’re in the Cincinnati area, you can find goetta at most local grocery stores, butcher shops, and farmers’ markets. Some popular brands include Glier’s Goetta, Queen City Sausage, and Eckerlin Meats. If you’re not in Cincinnati, you may be able to find goetta at specialty meat shops or online retailers. You can also try making your own goetta using one of the recipes provided in this article.
Conclusion: Embrace the Goetta Goodness
Goetta is more than just a breakfast sausage; it’s a culinary tradition that represents the rich history and culture of Cincinnati. Whether you’re a lifelong goetta lover or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this hearty and flavorful dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipes, and embrace the goetta goodness! From traditional preparations to exciting variations, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the journey of creating and savoring this Cincinnati staple!