Cucumber salad with pork shank.

Cucumber Dish with Pork Belly - A Family Delicacy

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

When it comes to comfort foods that remind us of family meals, cucumber dish with pork belly is definitely on many people's favorites list. With a simple recipe and easily accessible ingredients, this delicacy combines the flavor of tender meat with the tangy taste of pickled cucumbers, resulting in a savory dish that will delight both adults and children.

Recipe History

This recipe for cucumber dish with pork belly is often associated with family meals, rooted in the culinary tradition of using simple, healthy, and accessible ingredients. The pork belly, with its tender texture, pairs perfectly with the pickled cucumbers, providing a combination of flavors that takes us back in time to the bountiful meals of our grandparents.

Ingredients

- 1 kg pickled cucumbers
- 1 kg pork belly (2 pieces)
- 2 red onions
- 4 roasted red peppers
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
- Salt, ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, dried rosemary, a pinch of nutmeg

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cucumbers: Start by desalting the pickled cucumbers. Cut them into quarters and place them in a pot of water for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to reduce the saltiness so it doesn't overpower the final dish.

2. Onion: Finely chop the red onion. This will add a sweet taste and a pleasant aroma to the dish.

3. Roasted Peppers: Cut the roasted pepper into small strips. A useful tip is to freeze it before chopping, as it will be much easier and more uniform to cut when frozen.

Cooking

1. In a pot, add 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. The olive oil not only adds a rich flavor but is also full of healthy antioxidants.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step will enhance the aroma and add a delicious base to the dish.

3. Add the roasted pepper and let it cook for a few minutes. You will notice that it releases its juices, further enriching the mixture.

4. Next, add the diced pork. Pork belly is ideal for this recipe as it cooks evenly and becomes very tender. Mix everything well.

5. Add a glass of water and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. Covering will help retain moisture and make the meat juicier.

Seasoning

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can add your preferred spices. I choose to use salt, ground pink pepper, a pinch of tarragon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a bit of dried rosemary. These spices bring a complex aroma and a distinctive taste.

Cooking Technique

To prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the pot, you can use a cast iron trivet under the pot. This will distribute the heat evenly. Alternatively, you can place the pot in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 45-50 minutes, which will provide even cooking and an intense flavor.

Serving

To add a touch of freshness to the dish, garnish with a few green onion leaves. This will add a splash of color and a fresh taste.

Cucumber dish with pork belly pairs perfectly with warm bread and a delicious sauce, such as a yogurt sauce with dill or a crunchy green salad. This combination will make the meal truly special.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of this dish contains approximately 450 calories, being rich in protein due to the pork, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Pickled cucumbers are a good source of probiotics, which aid digestion.

Possible Variations

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to vary the texture and flavor of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of pickled ones?
- Fresh cucumbers will add a crunchy texture, but the taste will be different. You can marinate them before adding them to the recipe to achieve a similar flavor.

2. How can I store the dish for later consumption?
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.

3. What drinks pair best with this dish?
- A dry red wine or a pale lager would perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.

This recipe for cucumber dish with pork belly is not only a delicious choice for a family dinner but also a way to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen. Enjoy your meal and create wonderful memories at the table!