Pork chop with bone on a bed of vegetables served with chili sauce

Pork Belly with Bone on a Bed of Vegetables, Served with Chili Sauce – A Delicacy for Your Sunday

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the culinary world! Today, I invite you to prepare with me a simple yet flavorful recipe: pork belly with bone on a bed of vegetables, served with a spicy chili sauce. This dish is perfect for a family Sunday meal, where everyone can enjoy their portion with a smile. Let’s get started!

A Brief Story about Pork Belly

Pork belly is a versatile ingredient used in many cultures to add flavor and richness to dishes. Pork is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its juicy texture, especially when prepared with the bone. Combined with fresh vegetables, all the flavors harmoniously blend together, creating a meal that will bring happiness to the table.

Necessary Ingredients

For the pork belly and roasted vegetables:
- 5 pieces of pork belly with bone
- 4 carrots
- 2 onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 5-6 potatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Olive oil

For the chili sauce:
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili sauce
- Garlic powder
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Prepare the Vegetables
The first step is to wash and peel the vegetables. Start with the potatoes: peel them and cut them in half. Peel the carrots and slice them into rounds, and cut the onion into thirds. The red bell pepper, full of vitamins, is sliced. These vegetables will form a delicious bed for the pork.

2. Arrange the Vegetables in the Baking Dish
Take a baking dish and lightly grease it with a little olive oil. Evenly arrange the cut vegetables on the bottom of the dish. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle everything with a little olive oil to add extra flavor and help even cooking.

3. Prepare the Pork Belly
Wash the pieces of pork belly well and generously season them with salt, pepper, and finely chopped herbs (rosemary and oregano). These flavors will give an intense and delicious taste to the meat.

4. Place the Meat and Cover with Aluminum Foil
Put the pork belly on top of the vegetables in the dish, ensuring it is evenly placed. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the meat to cook evenly.

5. Bake in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil to allow the meat to brown nicely. Turn the meat from side to side every 15 minutes to ensure it browns evenly.

6. Prepare the Chili Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the mustard, chili sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This sauce will add a delicious and spicy contrast to your dish.

7. Serving
Once the meat is nicely browned and the vegetables are cooked, take the dish out of the oven. Serve warm, with the vegetables on the plate and the pieces of pork belly on top. Don’t forget to drizzle the chili sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor!

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choose Quality Meat: Opt for bone-in pork belly from a trusted supplier. Quality meat will make a difference in the final taste of the dish.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to maximize flavor and nutrients. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, depending on your preferences.
- Customized Sauce: If you like spicier sauces, add more teaspoons of chili sauce or even a bit of freshly chopped hot pepper.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and potatoes provide a good source of complex carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken breast. The baking time will be reduced, so check the meat after 30 minutes to avoid drying it out.

- How can I make this recipe healthier?
To reduce fat, you can remove the skin from the pork belly or choose a leaner cut of meat. You can also use less olive oil.

- What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry red wine or a light beer. Additionally, a fresh green salad can perfectly complement the meal.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add spices like paprika or cumin to give an exotic touch to the dish. You can also try adding a little lemon juice to the sauce for a pleasant acidity.

Conclusion

Pork belly with bone on a bed of vegetables is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings warmth to the soul. Therefore, I encourage you to try it and share this experience with your loved ones. Cooking is an art, and every meal prepared with love becomes an unforgettable memory. Enjoy your meal!