Buying intestines

[Chef Ladybug]

The sale of intestines (with which they make kukureci, Oriental recipe) is apparently illegal and has been illegal for the past 8 years. However, a New Yorker told me that I could get them in butcher shops in NY. I have tried to get them in NJ and CT but no such luck. Anyone know what I'm talking about?

Kukureci is very popular in Greece, so I'm hoping Greek butchers may know a thing or two on how to go about obtaining intestines. I'm dying to find out what the big brouhaha is all about.

[Suzanne]

What you call kukureci, I know as kokoretsi -- a Greek dish, of liver and/or sweetbreads (yum, offal! ) wrapped in intestines and grilled. It's very rich, though, so I only get to eat it about once a year.

I suppose the necessary ingredients are available in the New York neighborhood of Astoria (in Queens), which still has a large Greek population.

I've never tried to make it, but wonder if what is sold as chitterlings (a.k.a. chitlins) in plastic tubs in the supermarket would suffice. After all, that too is cleaned intestines -- most definitely NOT illegal here. Raw chitlins are available fresh and frozen. Of course, these are pork, not lamb as you might need for kokoretsi.

Also -- since lamb intestines are sometimes used for sausage making, try a butcher that understands that process, or even that makes their own. Esposito, on Ninth Avenue in Manhattan would probably be a good source.

Let us know how your search goes, and if you manage to make the dish!

[kuan]

Will sausage casings work?

[Chef Ladybug]

No, sausage casings will not do.
Apparently, the dookie residue makes the kukureci tasty?
(I'm not joking. That's what I've been told.)

[Chef Ladybug]

Suzanne,

I will not be making the kukureci, that I can't even spell. My husband will, God bless him. I intend to cheer from the sidelines and possibly document the process with photographs, if you want me to.

I'll check out Esposito's Pork Shop, thanks for the tip. Until then, I'll be calling every butcher shop in Astoria.

Gosh darn it, there are so many of them.

I need a drink.

[phatch]

Instead of just calling all the butcher shops, you might be able to shortcut it a bit with a call to a Greek orthodox church. They'll either direct you to a good source, or put you in touch with one of their local cooks who will know where to go.

Phil

[kuan]

Originally Posted by Chef Ladybug

No, sausage casings will not do.
Apparently, the dookie residue makes the kukureci tasty?
(I'm not joking. That's what I've been told.)

Hey I believe you!

I gotta try this. Greek festival should be coming up soon.

[Chef Ladybug]

Originally Posted by kuan

Hey I believe you!

I gotta try this. Greek festival should be coming up soon.

When? I'd like to go.

Ooooh, I've never called a church in my life and now I'm gonna so I can discuss food? lol I feel blasphemous. Thanks, Phil. Will do.

[Chef Ladybug]

Wait. Kuan, you're in Minnesota. Whole 'nother world out there.