Oven-baked pork belly with green garlic

Pork shoulder in the oven with green garlic - a delicious recipe for a comforting meal

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

The history of oven-baked pork shoulder is fascinating, as this cooking method has been used for centuries to transform less expensive meat into delicious and juicy dishes. This recipe pays homage to culinary tradition, combining the intense flavors of pork with the freshness of green garlic, which provides a distinctive and refreshing taste.

Ingredients:
- Approximately 1 kg pork shoulder
- Fresh green garlic (amount to taste, but generous is recommended)
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 glass of white wine (preferably dry)
- 300 ml tomato juice
- 50 ml olive oil (for frying)
- 50 ml sunflower oil (for sauce)

Achieving perfectly cooked pork shoulder depends on the quality of the ingredients you choose. Make sure the pork shoulder is fresh, with a uniform layer of fat, which will provide juiciness to the dish. The green garlic should be tender and crunchy, and choosing a quality white wine will do wonders for the sauce.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat: Cut the pork shoulder into equal-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each piece, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for obtaining well-seasoned meat.

2. Frying the meat: In a deep pan, heat 50 ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder pieces and fry until golden on both sides. Choose to fry 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would prevent a crispy crust from forming.

3. Transferring to the oven: Once the meat is nicely browned, transfer the pieces to an oven-safe ceramic dish. Pour the glass of white wine over the meat and cover the dish with a piece of parchment paper. This will retain moisture inside and help the meat cook evenly. Place the dish in the oven for about 1 hour.

4. Preparing the garlic sauce: Meanwhile, clean the green garlic. This process may take a little patience, but the flavors it will bring to the sauce are worth the effort. After cleaning the garlic, wash it well and chop it finely. Heat 50 ml of sunflower oil in a wok and add the chopped garlic along with a pinch of salt. Let it sauté for a few minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant.

5. Adding the tomato juice: After the garlic has softened, add the tomato juice and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors. This sauce will provide a rich taste and will perfectly complement the meat.

6. Finishing the cooking: After 60 minutes have passed, remove the dish from the oven and remove the parchment paper. Add the garlic and tomato sauce over the meat, stirring gently. Place the dish back in the oven for another 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend divinely.

7. Serving: Once the shoulder is cooked and tender, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, which will absorb the delicious garlic and wine sauce.

Serving suggestions and variations:
- You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the ceramic dish to cook alongside the meat, enriching the meal.
- Instead of mashed potatoes, you can opt for parsnip or cauliflower puree for a lighter option.
- A fresh green salad alongside this dish will add a crunchy contrast and balance the rich flavors of the meat.

Useful tips:
- If you don't have green garlic, you can use regular garlic, but choose the freshest to maintain the intensity of the flavors.
- Ensure that the ceramic dish you use is oven-safe and not too small, allowing warm air to circulate.
- You can experiment with different types of white wine, each having its own aromatic notes, which will influence the final sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork shoulder is an excellent source of quality protein, essential for muscle regeneration and development. Green garlic, besides adding a distinctive flavor, is renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use beef instead of pork? Yes, but the cooking time may vary.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add finely chopped chili pepper to the garlic sauce.
3. Can this recipe be prepared in advance? Yes, you can prepare and reheat it the next day, but the meat will be better if consumed freshly cooked.

This recipe for oven-baked pork shoulder with green garlic is not just a meal, but a culinary experience. So gather your loved ones around the table, enjoying the aromas that will fill your home and soul. Enjoy your meal!