Jelito is a traditional blood sausage. Prepared with pig’s blood and ground pork meat (mainly head, belly, and offal) it incorporates lard and various spices such as marjoram and cumin. Many jelito variations also consist of grains or plain white buns, which provide a more compact consistency.

Since it is a non-smoked sausage, it is traditionally boiled or fried before it is served alongside pungent mustard, horseradish, and cabbage.