Baked Neck of Pork alla Claudiu

Delicious Oven-Baked Pork Neck Recipe alla Claudiu

Are you looking for a savory recipe that harmoniously combines flavors and textures? We invite you to discover the recipe for oven-baked pork neck alla Claudiu, a dish that exudes warmth and tradition, perfect for family meals or special occasions. This recipe is a personal creation of my son, Claudiu, and will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 6-12 hours (preferably overnight)
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 8 pieces of pork neck (approximately 1 kg)
- 8 slices of smoked ham
- 1 cup of sunflower oil (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cup of white wine (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Fresh or dried thyme, to taste
- Other herbs (oregano, rosemary, basil)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 green onions (with tops)
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 apples (preferably tart)
- 50 g of butter
- 5-6 boiled carrots (or fresh, if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 100 g of gorgonzola cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the sunflower oil, white wine, lemon juice, honey, thyme, and other herbs. Mix the ingredients well to achieve a homogeneous marinade. This marinade will not only tenderize the meat but also give it a rich aroma and exceptional flavor.

2. Marinating the meat: Cut the pork neck into slices about 2-3 cm thick. Place the meat slices in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight. This step is essential for obtaining tender, flavorful meat.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Cut the green onions into thin strips, slice the tomatoes and bell pepper, and thinly slice the apples. If the carrots are fresh, peel and cut them in half lengthwise. These vegetables will add color and texture to the final dish.

4. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have a well-heated oven to achieve even baking.

5. Assembling the dish: Take a large baking dish and grease it with butter. Lay the strips of green onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper on the bottom of the dish, creating a fragrant bed for the pork neck. Place the marinated pork slices on top, and if necessary, add a little salt and pepper.

6. Adding the final ingredients: Arrange the slices of smoked ham, followed by slices of apple and strips of green onion. These ingredients will add a sweet-sour contrast that will enrich the dish's flavor. Finally, place the carrots around, drizzle with olive oil, and a few tablespoons of marinade.

7. Baking: Crumble the gorgonzola cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the dish. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meat is well cooked and the vegetables are tender. It is recommended to check occasionally to ensure it does not dry out.

8. Serving: Once the pork neck is well baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it alongside golden potatoes or a fresh salad. This combination will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the pork neck.

Personal notes and helpful tips:
This recipe can be customized according to your preferences. For example, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to provide extra flavor and color. Additionally, gorgonzola cheese can be replaced with feta or mozzarella cheese, depending on your taste.

Nutritional benefits: Pork neck is a good source of protein, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Apples contribute antioxidants, and using olive oil adds healthy fats to the diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted using chicken or turkey, but the baking time will vary.
2. How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish? I recommend a dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail based on lemon and mint.

This oven-baked pork neck recipe alla Claudiu is not only a delicious option for family meals but also an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!