Oven-baked pork shoulder

Pork Shoulder Roast: A Delicious Recipe for Gloomy Days

On cool Sunday days, when the weather encourages you to seek shelter in the comfort of your home, there’s nothing more comforting than a juicy, slow-cooked pork roast with its enticing aromas. This pork shoulder roast recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will remind you of family Sunday dinners. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a baking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will create a roast that serves 4 portions, perfect to enjoy with your loved ones.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g boneless pork shoulder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 150 ml red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step by step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork shoulder well under cold running water, then dry it with a paper towel. This step is essential to remove excess moisture, which can hinder optimal browning of the meat.

2. Scoring the fat: Use a sharp knife to score the fat layer on top of the meat. This will allow the spices to penetrate better and help achieve a delicious crust. Make sure to make shallow cuts, avoiding cutting into the meat.

3. Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, sage, and rosemary. Sprinkle this mixture over the entire surface of the meat, ensuring it is well covered. You can also use a mortar to crush the mustard and peppercorns, creating a more homogeneous aromatic blend.

4. Adding cloves: Insert a few cloves into the meat to intensify the flavors. They will provide a distinctive taste, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can become too strong.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Take a baking dish and add the olive oil and red wine. The oil will help brown the meat, while the wine will add extra flavor. Place the pork shoulder in the dish, fat side up.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 1 hour. This step will help the meat soften and absorb all the flavors of the spices.

7. Browning: After an hour, remove the aluminum foil and let the meat brown for another 30 minutes. This step will give the roast a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Resting the meat: Once the roast is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest covered with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. This step will allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, making it juicier.

9. Slicing: Using a sharp knife, cut the pork shoulder into suitable slices. You can use a carving knife to achieve even and attractive slices.

Serving suggestions:

This pork roast pairs perfectly with sides of mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or fresh salads. Additionally, an apple sauce or plum jam can add a delicious contrast. Don’t forget to serve a glass of red wine alongside to complete the culinary experience.

Tips and variations:

- Spice variations: You can experiment with other herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to achieve a different flavor. You can also add a bit of honey or brown sugar on top of the meat for a sweet note.
- Cook longer: If you prefer the meat well done, you can leave the shoulder in the oven longer, being careful not to dry it out.
- Using leftovers: If you have leftover meat, you can use it in sandwiches or salads, turning a delicious meal into another quick recipe.

Nutritional information and calories:

This recipe can contain approximately 600 calories per serving, considering the fat content in the meat. However, pork shoulder is a good source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, and iron, essential nutrients for maintaining health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use bone-in pork? Of course! Bone-in meat will add extra flavor, but the cooking time will be slightly longer.
2. How can I tell when the meat is done? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 70°C to be well cooked.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the meat, then keep it in the refrigerator and bake it on the day of serving.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to enjoy the cooking moment, let the aromas carry you away, and share this delight with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!