oven-baked pork loin with mashed potatoes

Oven-baked pork leg with mashed potatoes - A classic, simple, and delicious recipe

Who doesn't love a meal cooked with care? Today's recipe is one of those dishes that brings back pleasant memories, warmth, and comfort. Oven-baked pork leg, served with creamy mashed potatoes, is not only a perfect choice for a family dinner but also an ideal dish for special occasions. In this guide, I will accompany you step by step, sharing useful tips, tricks, and stories that will make cooking a true pleasure.

PREPARATION TIME: 15 minutes
COOKING TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes
SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients you will need:

For the pork leg:
- 1 kg pork leg
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Seasoning (or other preferred spice), to taste
- Dried or fresh basil, to preference
- A magic cooking bag

For the side dish:
- 1 kg potatoes
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml milk
- Seasoning, to taste

Preparing the pork leg:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork leg under cold running water and drying it with a paper towel. This is an important step, as well-dried meat will brown beautifully.

2. Seasoning the meat: Cut the pork leg into medium-thick slices, so they cook evenly. In a small bowl, crush the garlic cloves with a knife or use a garlic press. Add the ground pepper, seasoning, and basil. Mix the spices well.

3. Marinating the meat: Rub the pork leg slices with the spice mixture, ensuring each slice is well coated. This step will add a delicious flavor to the meat.

4. The cooking bag: Take the magic bag and place the slices of meat inside. Tie the bag tightly, but don’t forget to poke it with a toothpick to allow steam to escape. This detail is essential for achieving tender and juicy meat.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the bag with the pork leg on a tray and put it in the oven. Let it bake for 40 minutes. The smell that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Preparing the mashed potatoes:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. This shape will help them boil evenly and cook faster.

2. Boiling: Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add salt. Bringing the water to a boil will help extract flavor from the potatoes. When the water starts to boil, don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface.

3. Draining the water: After about 15-20 minutes, test the potatoes with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready! Drain the water and let them rest for a few minutes.

4. Preparing the mash: Add the butter and warm milk over the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy mash. Add seasoning, to taste, and mix well.

Serving:

Once the pork leg is ready, carefully remove the magic bag (be careful of the hot steam!). Place the slices of meat on a platter and serve them alongside the creamy mashed potatoes. You can decorate the plate with a few fresh basil leaves for an elegant look and additional aroma.

Variations and suggestions:

- Instead of basil, you can use rosemary or thyme for a different flavor.
- If you want to add a sweet note, you can add a little honey or brown sugar to the spice mixture for the meat.
- Instead of mashed potatoes, you can opt for celery mash or a vegetable mix for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits:

Pork leg is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Additionally, potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. The butter and milk in the mash add healthy fats and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken instead of pork leg?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.

2. How can I store leftover pork leg?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, the mash can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best texture.

This oven-baked pork leg with mashed potatoes recipe is easy to make and offers a delicious meal that will impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe by experimenting with spices or side dishes. Enjoy your meal!