Oven-baked pork ribs and rosemary potatoes

Pork shoulder roast and rosemary potatoes – a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for any occasion. This classic combination of succulent meat and crispy potatoes, enriched with Mediterranean flavors, will bring a touch of joy to your table. Whether you're preparing for a dinner with friends, a family celebration, or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

A brief history

This pork shoulder roast recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a popular choice in numerous cultures for festive meals. Pork, known for its juicy texture and rich flavor, pairs perfectly with various herbs, while rosemary potatoes provide an ideal accompaniment, enhancing the dish with flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

For the pork shoulder roast:
- 1 piece of pork shoulder (1.3-1.5 kg)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- A bunch of fresh parsley leaves
- Zest of one lemon
- A few leaves of sage (fresh or dried)
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper

For the rosemary potatoes:
- 1 kg large potatoes (suitable for cooking)
- Sunflower oil
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- A bunch of fresh rosemary
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper

Preparation instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 240°C (level 9). Make sure the temperature is correct, as a high temperature at the beginning will help form a delicious crust on the meat.

2. Preparing the meat: Wash the pork shoulder well and remove excess fat. Cut the meat lengthwise to create a uniform piece that can be rolled easily, like a butterfly. On one side of the meat, create shallow cross-cuts at intervals of 2-3 cm.

3. Seasoning: Sprinkle crushed garlic over the entire surface of the meat, followed by grated lemon zest. This is where you can add a bit of personality: a fine grating of lemon will add a note of freshness. Then, add sea salt and freshly ground pepper, massaging well to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

4. Adding herbs: Sprinkle the sage leaves and chopped parsley over the entire surface of the meat. These herbs not only add wonderful flavor but also a vibrant color to the dish.

5. Forming the roll: Tightly roll the piece of meat, ensuring all ingredients are well packed. Tie the roll with kitchen twine, making sure it is securely fastened. Now, massage the surface again with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

6. Browning the meat: Place the roll in a greased baking dish and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside. This step is essential for achieving a delicious crust.

7. Slow baking: Once the meat is browned, reduce the oven temperature to 160-170°C. Bake the meat for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (if you have a meat thermometer). If you don't have a thermometer, estimate about 25 minutes for every 450 g of meat.

8. Preparing the rosemary potatoes: Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform pieces. In a roasting pan, heat sunflower oil and add the potatoes. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become golden.

9. Adding seasonings: Once the potatoes start to brown, sprinkle sea salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and rosemary sprigs. Place the pan in the oven for 40 minutes, turning the potatoes occasionally, until they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

10. Serving: Once the meat is ready, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices of pork shoulder alongside the rosemary potatoes, either rustic style directly from the pan or beautifully arranged on plates. You can add a side of braised red cabbage for a contrast of color and texture.

Tips and useful advice

- Choose the meat carefully: A quality pork shoulder, with a moderate amount of fat, will ensure the juiciness of the dish. If possible, look for pork from local farmers or trusted butchers.

- Experiment with spices: You can add other herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the recipe. You can also try marinating the meat a few hours before cooking to intensify the flavors.

- Creative serving: Instead of red cabbage, you can opt for a seasonal salad or grilled vegetables as a side. A reduction of red wine or a sweet mustard sauce would pair perfectly with the pork.

Nutritional information

This pork shoulder with potatoes recipe can contain approximately 550 calories per serving, but this number may vary depending on the amount of oil used and the servings served. Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like zinc. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C, offering a nutritional balance to the dish.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken breast or thighs, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced.

- How can I make the potatoes crunchier?
Make sure the potatoes are well dried before putting them in oil and use enough oil to fully cover them.

- How long can I keep leftovers?
The meat and potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

This pork shoulder roast and rosemary potatoes recipe is more than just a meal; it is a true culinary experience that blends tradition with modern flavors. Try it and enjoy every bite!