Oven-baked potatoes with pork meat

Oven-Baked Potatoes with Pork Leg: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

When it comes to a savory and comforting meal, oven-baked potatoes with pork leg are an excellent choice. This recipe combines juicy meat with the rich flavors of garlic and thyme, resulting in an unforgettable dish. Whether it's a family dinner or a special lunch, this combination is sure to impress everyone.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 pork leg (approximately 600-700 g)
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 20 ml olive oil
- 10 ml balsamic vinegar
- 5 g sea salt
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 50 g grated cheese (for serving)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Oven-baked potatoes with pork leg have become a popular dish in many culinary cultures due to their simplicity and versatility. This recipe brings together accessible ingredients, transforming them into a hearty and flavorful meal. This preparation is often associated with Sunday dinners when families gather around the table to enjoy lovingly cooked delicacies.

Preparing the Meat

1. Preparing the pork leg: Start by rubbing the pork leg with 20 ml of olive oil. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the meat well. Then, sprinkle 5 g of sea salt evenly over the meat.
2. Adding the garlic: Use a sharp knife to make small incisions in the pork leg. Insert a few cloves of garlic into these incisions, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat during cooking. The garlic will provide an unmistakable aroma and make the meat even juicier.
3. Marinating: Cover the pork leg with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Peeling and cutting the potatoes: While the pork leg is marinating, peel 1 kg of potatoes and cut them into large chunks. Each potato should be cut into 4-6 slices, depending on their size. These pieces will become golden and crispy in the oven.
2. Preparing the baking tray: In a large baking tray, add 20 ml of olive oil and line it with baking paper. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
3. Arranging the potatoes in the tray: Add the cut potatoes to the tray, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will allow for even cooking and a pleasant texture.

Cooking the Dish

1. Preparing the flavor mixture: In a small bowl, combine 150 ml of dry white wine, 10 ml of balsamic vinegar, and 10 ml of olive oil. This mixture will add a tangy note and complement the flavor of the meat.
2. Adding the meat: Place the pork leg on top of the potatoes in the tray, ensuring that all the meat is exposed to the heat. Cover the meat with the wine, vinegar, and oil mixture for better marinating.
3. Seasoning: Sprinkle a few sprigs of chopped fresh thyme over the pork leg. Thyme brings an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with pork.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy crust on the outside and juicy meat on the inside.
2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to check occasionally, and if the pork leg becomes too browned, you can cover the tray with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Serving

1. Finishing the dish: Once the baking time has elapsed, remove the tray from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat.
2. Adding the cheese: Grate 50 g of cheese finely and sprinkle it over the pork leg and potatoes. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese, adding a delicious creamy layer.
3. Serving: Place the portions on plates and enjoy this delicacy alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables, which will add a crunchy and fresh contrast.

Useful Tips

- Ingredient variations: You can replace the pork leg with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Additionally, experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes, for a distinct flavor.
- Cooking techniques: If you prefer slower cooking, you can cook this dish at a lower temperature (160 degrees Celsius) for a longer period, which will make the meat extremely tender.
- Calories and nutrients: A serving of oven-baked potatoes with pork leg contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. This dish offers quality protein from the meat and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can use beef, but the cooking time will vary depending on the cut you choose.

2. How can I make the potatoes crispier?
Make sure to dry them well after washing and avoid placing them too close together in the tray.

3. What sides go well with this dish?
A cabbage salad or grilled vegetables are excellent sides that complement the rich flavor of the meat.

So, get ready to delight your taste buds and enjoy a savory meal full of flavors and textures! Oven-baked potatoes with pork leg are not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to experiment and bring the family together around the table. Enjoy your meal!