Meat from an animal that is not cut from a standard muscle, but is obtained from organs. Variety meat includes muscular organs such as heart, tripe (stomach lining), and tongue and other organ meat such as brains, liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads (thymus glands of veal and lamb).
Although this old-fashioned dinner takes hours to cook, the preparation time is minimal. It works very well to prepare the meat a day or two ahead of time, adding the vegetables just before serving. This is a great way to use economical cuts of meat. Don't be misled by the name, though - the meat should never actually be boiled, just simmered.
Variety Meats
Variety meats include some of the organs and extremities. Some lamb variety meats may be available in food stores, but most are available from a butcher or specialty meat market or may require special ordering.
Variety MeatsVariety meats include some of the organs and extremities. Some variety meats are readily available in food stores and most are available from a butcher or specialty meat market, but may require special ordering.
Variety Meats
The variety meats include the organs, glands and the extremities of the pig. The meats taken from younger pigs will be more tender and milder in flavor.