Pork knuckle with horseradish sauce

Delicious Pork Hock with Horseradish Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Pork hock with horseradish sauce is a traditional dish that combines the flavor of pork with the intense aroma of horseradish, offering a unique culinary experience. Although it takes a bit of time, the final result is worth every minute of waiting. Here’s how to prepare this delicacy step by step, with useful tips and variations to enrich your recipe.

Ingredients:
- A piece of pork hock (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- 200 g grated horseradish (fresh or from a jar, but fresh is ideal)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the hock: Start by thoroughly cleaning the pork hock, removing any excess fat. Generously season it with salt and pepper on all sides. If you like a more intense flavor, you can poke it in several places with a knife to allow the flavors to penetrate better.

2. Marinating: In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic, cinnamon, thyme, cloves, and cumin. Rub the mixture over the surface of the hock, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Cooking the hock: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the hock in a deep baking dish, add a little water, and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the hock for about 1.5 hours, then remove the foil and let it brown for another 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the crust is golden.

4. Preparing the horseradish sauce: While the hock is baking, you can prepare the horseradish sauce. Mix the grated horseradish with a little salt and, if desired, add a few drops of lemon juice for extra freshness. This sauce will add a spicy note that balances the richness of the meat.

5. Serving: When the hock is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it alongside the horseradish sauce, as well as with side dishes such as roasted potatoes or sauerkraut, which perfectly complement this dish.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can experiment with spices by adding, for example, smoked paprika or Herbes de Provence to vary the flavors.
- If you like spicier food, add a chopped chili pepper to the horseradish sauce.
- Instead of pork hock, you can use beef or lamb for a different variation, adjusting the cooking time based on the type of meat chosen.

This pork hock with horseradish sauce recipe is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. The dish is not only tasty but also a true culinary experience, full of tradition and flavor. Bon appétit!