Píleitosti

Píleitosti is a traditional Icelandic dish consisting of sheep's head, boiled and seasoned. The practice of consuming sheep's head is a historical and culinary tradition in Iceland, reflecting resourcefulness and the utilization of all parts of the animal. The head is typically cleaned, singed to remove wool, and then boiled until tender. It is often seasoned with salt and sometimes other spices depending on regional variations and family recipes.

The preparation of píleitosti often involves separating the meat, tongue, and eyes from the bone, and these different parts are consumed together or separately. The texture and flavor are distinct, and it is considered a delicacy by many Icelanders. Historically, píleitosti was a common meal, particularly in rural areas, due to the availability of sheep and the need to minimize waste.

While not as ubiquitous as it once was, píleitosti remains a part of Icelandic culinary heritage and can still be found at traditional food festivals and in some homes. It is often served with potatoes and rutabaga. The experience of eating píleitosti is often described as a unique taste of Icelandic history and tradition.