Lard

Adeps Suillus (from swine) Fat/Oil

Lard Fat/Oil

At a Glance

  • Category Fat/Oil

The Forktionary Angle

"Rediscover the forgotten culinary gem: Lard. Unlocking unmatched flakiness and rich flavor in your cooking and baking."

Definition

Rendered pork fat, valued for its high smoke point, unique flavor, and ability to create exceptionally flaky pastries and crispy fried foods.

Saturated Fat Content Approx. 40% (less than butter)
Shelf Life (Refrigerated) Up to 6 months
Smoke Point 370°F (188°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lard are:

Mildly porky rich savory neutral when refined

Chef’s Secret

For truly flaky pie crusts, ensure your lard is extremely cold and cut into small pieces before incorporating into flour. Avoid overworking the dough.

Best Substitutes

Shortening

for baking
Ratio 1:1

Butter

for flavor, lower smoke point
Ratio 1:1

Vegetable Oil

for frying
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Opt for leaf lard (from around kidneys) for baking due to its neutral flavor. For general cooking, back fat lard is excellent. Look for unhydrogenated versions.

Recipes Using Lard

Healthy 2 Low In Something Low Cholesterol Healthy

Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas

Transport yourself to the heart of Mexico with this authentic flour tortilla recipe! A little time investment yields incredible flavor—fresh, hot, and utterly delicious tortillas you'll crave. Perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or simply enjoyed on their own. Learn the secrets to perfectly soft and pliable tortillas.

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Soups Stews Main Ingredient Low Carb Low Sodium

Ancient Bean Soup Fasolada

Dive into the rich flavors of Greece with this authentic Fasolada recipe! This hearty ancient bean soup is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Easy to follow instructions guide you through each step, from soaking the beans (not included in the cook time) to achieving the perfect balance of herbs and spices. Prepare for a culinary journey to the Mediterranean!

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Time To Make Easy Course Preparation

Aunt Sharleen's Flour Tortilla Receipe 1

These flour tortillas are a family secret, passed down from Aunt Sharleen! Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, her amazing tortillas steal the show. Learn to make these incredibly versatile, soft, and delicious tortillas perfect for enjoying plain, turning into quesadillas, or making crispy tortilla chips. Get ready for a taste of tradition – you won't believe how easy they are to make!

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Time To Make Savory Low Cholesterol Time To Make

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant's Rice

Recreate the magic of Acapulco Mexican Restaurant's famous rice! This unbelievably easy recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful rice in under an hour. Perfect as a side dish or a base for your favorite Mexican creations. Get ready for a taste of paradise!

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Potatoes Preparation Dietary Taste Mood

Baked Potato Soup Bread Bowl

Cozy up with this comforting Baked Potato Soup served in a crusty bread bowl! This recipe, inspired by a local news segment, combines the creamy goodness of loaded baked potato soup with the satisfying crunch of a homemade bread bowl. Perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.

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Easy Time To Make Stir Fry Low In Something

Badische Schupfnudeln Spaetzle

Experience the hearty comfort of Badische Schupfnudeln Spaetzle, a traditional potato noodle dish from Baden-Baden and the Swabian region of Germany. These irresistible noodles, named after the Upper German word for 'shove noodles' (due to their unique shaping), are incredibly flavorful and perfect as a side to roast pork, lamb, sauerkraut, or any hearty cabbage dish. This recipe provides clear instructions and measurements for a truly authentic experience.

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For Large Groups Easy Low Sodium Number Of Servings

Aunt Emily's Tea Cakes

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations! These melt-in-your-mouth tea cakes originated in Franklin, Louisiana, from a grandmother who shared her love through delicious food. Her daughter, Aunt Emily, kept the tradition alive, using a unique coffee pot lid to create their signature shape. Get ready to experience a taste of authentic Louisiana charm with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Dietary Low In Something Dietary North American

Apple Crumble Barbados

A taste of Barbados in every bite! This authentic Apple Crumble recipe comes straight from a Barbadian friend's kitchen. Experience the perfect blend of sweet apples and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. Precise ingredient measurements ensure consistent, delicious results every time. Get ready for a warm, comforting dessert that's perfect served warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat.

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Dietary Low Protein

Basler Rosti With Bacon And Onion

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this upgraded Basler Rosti! Crispy bacon and perfectly caramelized onions mingle with tender potatoes for a flavor explosion. For best results, prepare the potatoes the day before – this enhances their texture and flavor. A simple recipe with incredible results!

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Pork Pork Equipment 1 Day Or More

Bifana Portuguese Pork Cutlets

Crave the taste of Lisbon? This Bifana recipe delivers authentic Portuguese pork cutlets, a beloved snack enjoyed throughout Portugal and its diaspora. Learn how to make these tender, flavorful pork cutlets marinated in a vibrant blend of wine, spices, and piri-piri for a fiery kick. Perfect for a quick meal or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe is easy to follow and produces restaurant-quality results.

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Course 4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Cheese

Beef And Cheese Enchiladas

Experience the authentic taste of Texas with these incredible Beef and Cheese Enchiladas! Inspired by Linda West Eckhardt's "The Only Texas Cookbook," this recipe uses corn tortillas (no flour here!) and a rich chili gravy for an unforgettable flavor experience. It's a labor of love, but the result is well worth the wait. Get ready for bubbly cheese, tender beef, and a taste of true Texan culinary tradition.

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Weeknight Technique Poultry Mexican

Authentic Mexican Tamales

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Mexican tamales! This recipe, passed down through generations, captures the heart of a festive family gathering. Learn to make these delicious corn husks filled with savory meat, vibrant chili sauce, and a touch of magic. Perfect for a holiday feast or any special occasion, these tamales are a culinary adventure you won't forget. Get ready for a flavorful journey!

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30 Minutes Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Ground Beef To Go

Aussie Shovel Burgers

Taste the Aussie outback with these incredible Shovel Burgers! Perfect for a fun, unique BBQ experience, this recipe recreates the iconic Aussie campfire cook. Juicy patties cooked over coals on a shovel, loaded with fresh toppings – it's a flavor explosion you won't forget! Get ready for a truly unforgettable outdoor cooking adventure.

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Holiday Event Fall Pies Northeastern United States

Apple Pies For The Freezer

Enjoy homemade apple pie anytime with this freezer-friendly recipe! We combine the perfect blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Cortland apples for a flavor explosion. A simple brine keeps the apples from browning, ensuring a delicious pie every time. Prepare these ahead, then bake from frozen in just 60 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!

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Preparation Pies Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Aussie Meat Pies

Discover the secret to creating authentic Aussie meat pies! This classic recipe, inspired by a Women's Weekly favorite, guides you through making perfectly flaky pastry and a rich, savory meat filling. Impress your friends and family with these delicious homemade pies – a true taste of Australia.

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Course Breads Northeastern United States Course

Amish Doughnuts

Experience the irresistible taste of authentic Amish doughnuts! This recipe, inspired by a treasured Amish cookbook and the incredible baked goods of a nearby Amish community, delivers melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. These fluffy, light doughnuts are perfectly golden-brown and utterly addictive. Get ready for a taste of simple perfection! (Note: Rising and frying time not included in cook time.)

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Low Sodium Seafood Healthy Main Dish

A Quick And Different Fried Fish Recipe

This recipe, inspired by a northern lake cottager, is perfect for when you're short on time and traditional breading ingredients! Crisp, flavorful fried fish is achieved using a simple method— ideal for a shore lunch or a quick weeknight meal. While we use lard for that extra delicious crispy texture (feel free to substitute with your preferred high-heat oil), the focus is on perfectly pan-fried fish fillets. Adjust ingredient quantities based on the size of your fillets.

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Vegetables Side Dishes Time To Make Main Ingredient

Authentic Southern Fried Okra

Crispy, golden-brown Southern fried okra with a secret trick for perfectly adhering cornmeal! This traditional recipe delivers the ultimate crunch in every bite. Learn our simple method for achieving that irresistible, flavorful coating.

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