Oven-baked pork

Oven-roasted pork shoulder is a classic recipe that combines rich flavors with slow cooking to achieve tender and savory meat. Throughout history, this dish has been a popular choice for family meals and special occasions, due to its exceptional taste and the way it blends tradition with innovation in the kitchen. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 piece of pork shoulder (approximately 2 kg), with bone, fat, and skin
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 8 large garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 300 g peeled tomatoes in tomato juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 5-6 white peppercorns
- 1/2 dried red chili (or more, to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 sprigs of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups of water

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Shoulder
Start by washing the pork shoulder well under cold running water. Place the shoulder on a paper towel to dry it. It is important to remove excess water so that the marinade sticks well to the meat.

Step 2: Marinating the Shoulder
In a bowl, combine salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Use this mixture to rub the pork shoulder on all sides. This step is essential to ensure an even and flavorful taste.

Step 3: Adding the Garlic
Peel 5 garlic cloves and cut them in half. Using a knife, make small holes in the shoulder, deep enough to insert the garlic halves. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

Step 4: Applying the Mustard
Rub the mustard on both sides of the shoulder. The mustard will add an interesting note and help caramelize the meat during baking.

Step 5: Assembling the Baking Dish
Place the pork shoulder in a baking dish. Chop the peeled tomatoes and place them on top of the meat. Sprinkle the dried basil, break the bay leaf into pieces, and add the white peppercorns, then the thyme sprigs. If you like it spicy, crumble the dried chili flakes and sprinkle them over the pork shoulder. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This is a crucial step, as the marinating time will intensify the flavors.

Step 6: Baking
The next day, take the shoulder out of the fridge. Preheat the oven to 170-180 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, add the 2 cups of water and the tomato juice. Peel the onion and cut it into quarters, then place it in the dish. Place the pork shoulder on top, along with all the spices.

Step 7: Cooking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and put it in the oven. Let the shoulder bake for 2 and a half hours. This slow process will make the meat extremely tender.

Step 8: Browning and Finishing
After 2 and a half hours, remove the aluminum foil and increase the oven temperature. Let the shoulder brown for 25-30 minutes. During this time, baste the meat with the juices from the dish 3-4 times to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Step 9: Resting the Shoulder
When the shoulder is ready, take the dish out of the oven and cover the meat with aluminum foil to rest for 15-20 minutes. This trick allows the juices to redistribute, leaving the meat juicier and tastier.

Serving
Serve the pork shoulder with various side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Each slice of meat is an explosion of flavors, and the juice from the dish can be used as a delicious sauce.

Practical Tips
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of pork shoulder (approximately 150 g) contains about 300-350 calories, providing quality protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron. In moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.
- Variations: You can experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding fresh rosemary or lemon can add a fresh taste. You can also replace Dijon mustard with grainy mustard for a different texture.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- What can I do with leftovers? Leftover pork shoulder is great in sandwiches or salads.
- How can I check if the meat is cooked? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75 degrees Celsius.

Drink Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine or craft beer. A fresh lemonade can add a touch of brightness, balancing the rich flavors of the meat.

Oven-roasted pork shoulder is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together, perfect for special occasions or weekend meals. So get ready for a delicious gastronomic journey and the joy of savoring this wonderful recipe! Enjoy your meal!