Pickled cucumber dish with white pork knuckle

Sour cucumber dish with white pork belly – a savory recipe full of flavors and nostalgia, combining simple ingredients into a dish that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for bringing a touch of tradition and warmth to your table, ideal for a family meal or to impress guests. Additionally, it is a hearty dish that combines the salty taste of sour cucumbers with the tenderness of pork meat.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg sour cucumbers (pickled)
- 1 kg white pork belly (preferably 2 pieces)
- 2 red onions
- 4 roasted red peppers
- 3-4 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
- Salt, ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, dried rosemary, a pinch of nutmeg

Recipe history:
This sour cucumber dish with pork belly has its roots in the culinary traditions of old households, where each ingredient had a story. Pickled cucumbers, a popular dish, were used not only to add flavor but also to preserve vegetables for winter. White pork belly, a versatile ingredient, is loved for its tenderness and rich taste, perfectly complementing the flavor of sour cucumbers.

Preparation steps:

1. Desalting the cucumbers:
Start by desalting the sour cucumbers. Cut them into quarters and place them in a pot with cold water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to reduce the saltiness and make them more pleasant to taste.

2. Preparing the ingredients:
- Chop the red onion as finely as possible. This will add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- The roasted pepper, if frozen, is easier to cut into small strips. Chop it immediately after taking it out of the freezer, as it is easier to handle in this state.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a pot, add 3-4 tablespoons of cold-pressed olive oil and sauté the red onion for 2 minutes. The olive oil adds a note of flavor and health to the dish.

4. Adding the peppers and meat:
After the onion has softened, add the sliced roasted pepper. Let it sauté for a few minutes until it releases its juices. Then, add the diced pork. Continue to sauté them together for a few minutes until the meat changes color.

5. Boiling the dish:
Add a glass of water to the pot and cover with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes. This time will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful.

6. Seasoning:
It’s time to add your preferred spices. I recommend using salt, ground pink pepper, a pinch of tarragon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of dried rosemary. These spices will elevate the dish to another level of flavor.

7. Preventing sticking:
If you want to avoid the dish sticking to the bottom of the pot, you can use a cast iron plate under the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer the pot to the oven, set at 180°C, for 45-50 minutes. This will allow for even cooking and a perfect texture of the meat.

8. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, you can garnish the plate with a few green onion leaves, adding a touch of freshness. Serve the dish warm, alongside a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh red onion, as it adds a pleasant sweetness and flavor.
- If you don’t have roasted peppers, you can use fresh peppers, but you will need to cook them longer to soften.
- Experiment with different spices to find the perfect combination that suits you.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe, but the cooking time may vary.

- What should I do if the dish is too salty?
You can add an extra portion of vegetables or water to reduce the saltiness.

- Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the dish can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best taste experience.

Ideal pairings:
This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a pale beer, which will complement the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables. You can accompany the dish with a simple green salad to add a crunchy and fresh contrast.

In conclusion, the sour cucumber dish with white pork belly is an easy-to-make recipe, full of flavor and tradition. With a little patience and simple ingredients, you will create a delicious meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!