Head Cheese (Kovbyk) in an Autoclave

Homemade meat dishes have always been present on the festive table. Among such dishes, a special place is occupied by head cheese, also known as kovbyk. It is a hearty cold appetizer traditionally made from meat trimmings, a pork head, tongue, and spices. Today, thanks to the UTEHO autoclave, you can prepare homemade head cheese quickly and conveniently, with safe storage in a jar for a long time.

In this recipe, we explain how to make delicious head cheese from a pork head and pork knuckle, preserving the authentic taste of Ukrainian cuisine.

Why cook head cheese in an autoclave? The UTEHO autoclave makes it possible to combine tradition and modernity. To make kovbyk, just as before, you need to cook the meat for a long time so it comes off the bones. But with an autoclave, sterilization becomes much simpler, so this dish can be stored for a long time.

Advantages of autoclaving:

• Preservation of taste and aroma. The vacuum environment and precise temperature regime make the meat tender and allow the spices to fully unfold.
• Long-term storage. Kovbyk preserved in jars can last all winter without loss of quality.
• Time saving. You don’t need to watch the cooking for hours — the autoclave controls temperature and pressure by itself.
• Safety. High temperature (110–120 °C) guarantees the destruction of all bacteria, so the dish is completely ready to eat.

Head cheese has a rich meaty flavor with a light piquancy thanks to mustard. It is best served chilled, sliced thinly. It pairs perfectly with mustard, horseradish, pickles, or fresh bread. It can be a festive appetizer or a hearty dish for the everyday table.

Lhome-made head cheese recipe for 3 jars of 0.5 liters.

This kovbyk recipe will be useful for those who value traditional flavors and want to have a meat preserve for winter. And if you like to experiment — you can add your favorite seasonings or pair kovbyk with baked pork knuckle or other tongue dishes.
UTEHO autoclaves are reliability, ease of use, and safety. They are created for those who want tasty homemade preserves without extra effort. Cooking in such an autoclave, you are always confident in the result — whether it’s stew, pâté, or kovbyk.
Cook head cheese in a UTEHO autoclave and amaze your loved ones with the true taste of traditional meat dishes!