Oven-baked pork with vegetable sauce

Oven-baked pork shoulder with vegetable sauce is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of comfort and warmth to every meal. Cooked with love and passion, this recipe promises to transform a simple dinner into a true culinary celebration. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for those days when you want to pamper your family or friends with a delicious and healthy dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 110 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork shoulder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili (optional, for extra spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 sweet potato
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper (red or green, according to preference)
- 1 peeled tomato
- 1 thicker slice of celery
- 2 tablespoons cooking cream
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped dill

Recipe history
Oven-baked pork shoulder is a dish that has traversed generations, being an integral part of many family meals. Its origins can be found in cooking traditions, where pork was often associated with celebrations and moments of conviviality. With each recipe and each ingredient, this dish has evolved, adapting to the tastes and culinary preferences of each era. Today, pork shoulder is appreciated not only for its flavor but also for its versatility in combination with various vegetables and spices.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the pork shoulder well under cold running water. Use a kitchen towel to pat it dry, so you remove excess water. This step is important, as dry meat will have a better crust during baking.

2. Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, and chili (if you choose to use it). Season the pork shoulder with this mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Now add the marjoram, coriander, rosemary, and thyme, continuing to massage the meat to integrate the flavors.

3. Preparing the oven bag
Take a special oven bag and add the olive oil, mixing a little to distribute it evenly. Add the cleaned and washed vegetables: the sweet potato (cut in half), carrots, bell pepper, peeled tomato, and the slice of celery. Mix everything well in the bag so that the vegetables are coated with oil.

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the seasoned pork shoulder to the bag, sealing it tightly. Make sure the bag is sealed, but poke it here and there with a needle to allow steam to escape during baking. This will help cook the meat evenly.

5. Baking
Place the bag in a tray and put it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for about 90 minutes. The aroma will fill the kitchen, and you will be tempted to check your dish, but resist the temptation until the end.

6. Preparing the vegetable sauce
After 90 minutes, take the tray out of the oven. Be careful of the hot steam when opening the bag! Remove the pork shoulder and place it on a platter. In a blender, put the cooked vegetables along with the juice from the bag. Blend everything until you achieve a fine paste.

7. Finalizing the sauce
Add the two tablespoons of cooking cream and the teaspoon of chopped dill. Mix again until the sauce becomes creamy and homogeneous.

8. Serving
Slice the pork shoulder and place it on plates. Serve alongside the vegetable sauce and, if desired, add a side of mashed potatoes or rice, which will perfectly complement the dish.

Practical tips
- Choosing the meat: Always opt for a pork shoulder with a moderate fat content to achieve a juicy dish.
- Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or onion, according to preferences. The variety of vegetables will not only add color but also a wide range of flavors.
- Complementary recipes: This oven-baked pork shoulder pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a dish of green beans. Additionally, a glass of red wine will perfectly complement this dish.
- Advance preparation: You can season the meat a day in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop.

Nutritional information
This recipe offers a protein-rich portion, thanks to the pork, and vitamins, due to the vegetables. Pork shoulder is a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. When consumed in moderation, it is a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted using chicken, but the baking time will be shorter, about 60-70 minutes.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
You can add more chili or even a few drops of hot sauce to the vegetable sauce for a more intense flavor.

3. Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Absolutely! Oven-baked pork shoulder with vegetable sauce is an elegant dish, perfect for impressing guests.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply for a family dinner, oven-baked pork shoulder with vegetable sauce will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!