Eisbein
Eisbein is a German dish of ham hock, usually cured and slightly boiled.
Regional variations
Eisbein is usually sold already cured and sometimes smoked, and then used in simple hearty dishes. Numerous regional variations exist, for example in Berlin it is served with pease pudding. In southern parts of Germany it is usually roasted. In Franconia it is commonly served with mashed potatoes or sauerkraut, in Austria with horseradish and mustard instead. In southern Germany, the common preparation is known as Schweinshaxe.Etymology
The name Eisbein for the German dish of pickled pork knuckle has been in use since the 10th century. Initially, Old and Middle High German īsbēn was a technical term referring to the hip-bone and surrounding bones used by hunters and doctors, probably derived from Greek ischíon via Latin ischia. The word evolved to its current form and meaning in New High German.In other countries
In Santa Catarina, Brazil, Eisbein is an important part of the regional cuisine with German origins, brought by the German immigrants who settled in the state. The dish is traditionally served at festivals and German-inspired restaurants, such as the Oktoberfest of Blumenau.The Polish cuisine's or golonko and the Swedish cuisine's fläsklägg med rotmos are very similar, alternatively grilled on a barbecue. Other similar dishes include the Swiss cuisine's Wädli and the Austrian cuisine's Stelze.