Getting A Head

Here is recipe that you rarely find in any cook book if at all. At first glance it appears to be a disgusting idea. Hey. so were a lot of things we eat today. Calamari, or squid was one. So was raw fish,  Steak Tar Tar didn't seem too appetizing as well. The thought of eating raw ground beef was pretty silly. This one is equally silly for many but a delicacy for others. I have eaten it and find it to be quite barbaric. Funny thing is that every once in while I would like to partake of it. Ironically it is served as an appetizer 

As in most of the poorer cultures parts of an animal that were discarded were eaten by others of the lesser class. This is one of those that has become part of a menu.  In fact there is a restaurant in New York's little Italy that is devoted to the item. The place is always packed and the last time I was there they had some fat lady singing Italian songs. I think it still exists and if you want to have an different experience this is the place to go. What they serve will astound you if you are not from a southern Italian culture. The tables are lined up end to end and there is not much room to navigate. Sometimes you sit elbow to elbow with strangers. That have one thing in common. They like to eat the head of a sheep.

Roasted Capo de Zelle ( head of a sheep)

 First thing you have to do is go to a neighbor hood butcher who's trade is Italian foods. You will be able to order them in advance. As they are rarely kept in their walk in.  You order by the head. Which then
will be split in half.  Soak them in salted water overnight in the sink. Brush their teeth. Do not use tooth paste.
Salted water will do.

Warning, do not invite any one who is not familiar with the dish to come over. Especially if they are seniors. My mother had them soaking one day and her neighbor came in. Seeing the eyes looking up at her. Resulted in a mild coronary. 

Now rinse them in cold running water.  Drain and dry well. So now what you have is a half a head with 1/2 a tounge that will be hanging off to he side. Wow, looks good already. On the other side you have an edible eye.  Place on a shallow olive oil covered pan brain side up.  

Topping:
Italian flavored bread crumb. Progresso or Colonna's, 4Cs is also a good one.
Peccorino Romano grated cheese About 2tbs per cup of bread crumbs.
Olive oil,  just enough to make the bread crumb damp.
Mix these ingredients together and place over the brain exposed side of the head.
Place in a preheated oven at about 350.F  for about 20 min or until the tongue is tender. 

There is very little meat on the head and it is mostly the cheek part. The parts you eat are the brain, tongue and the eye with all it's attachments.  If you eat the eye you are a hero to all around the table.