PIHTIJE is a traditional winter dish in Serbia usually served as the first course where the locals wanted to make use of lower quality parts of the pig (head, shank and hock). They are boiled in spiced water (pepper, bay leaves, salt), and deboned. The liquid is distributed among shallow bowls. As desired, some crushed garlic and paprika can be added. When cold and firm, it is cut into cubes and served. Pickled vegetables (gherkin, paprika and green tomato) are the salad of choice.