Pork neck seasoned with beer, served with sautéed cabbage

Delicious Recipe for Beer-Braised Pork Neck with Sautéed Cabbage

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love the aroma of a patiently cooked meal that entices not just the senses but also the soul? Today, I invite you to discover my special recipe for beer-braised pork neck, accompanied by sautéed cabbage. This recipe is not just about cooking, but about creating memories around the table, a ritual that brings us together.

The story of this recipe revolves around the perfect combination of succulent meat and enticing flavors, elevating the dish to another level. Honey and mustard add a touch of sweetness and acidity, while the beer helps tenderize the meat, creating a texture you will adore. The sautéed cabbage, with a splash of oil and a few spices, perfectly complements this main dish.

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork neck
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup beer (choose your favorite type, but a pale ale works wonderfully)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cabbage (approximately 300 g)
- Oil for sautéing
- 200 ml tomato juice
- A few sprigs of fresh dill, for garnish

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the pork neck into pieces about 4-5 cm. This will help with even cooking. In a bowl, mix the honey, mustard, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Add 5 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well.

2. Marinating: Rub each piece of meat with the mixture obtained. This marinade will add delicious flavor and tenderize the meat. Let the meat rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate well.

3. Preparing the dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, place the pieces of meat. Add the chopped garlic cloves. Pour the beer over the meat, ensuring it is well covered. Cover the dish with plastic wrap to retain moisture during cooking.

4. Heating in the oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for 30 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and develop the flavors.

5. Final cooking: After 30 minutes, remove the wrap and let the meat bake in the oven for another hour. This step will allow the meat to brown and develop a delicious crust.

6. Preparing the cabbage: While the meat is cooking, finely slice the cabbage. In a pan, heat a little oil for sautéing and add the cabbage. Cook the cabbage for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and tomato juice, allowing everything to simmer on low heat to blend the flavors. The cabbage will become soft and flavorful.

7. Serving: Once the meat is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the beer-braised pork neck alongside the sautéed cabbage, garnishing with a few sprigs of fresh dill for a more appealing look.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the meat: Pork neck is an excellent choice due to its fat content, which gives it juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can opt for pork shoulder.
- Types of beer: Pale ale is ideal, but you can also experiment with brown or even dark beer for a more intense flavor.
- Variations: If you want to add a touch of heat, try adding a bit of chili pepper to the marinade. You can also add various vegetables to the baking dish for a complete meal.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pork neck is a good source of protein, and garlic has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K and is low in calories, making it a perfect accompaniment for a healthy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of pork?: Yes, but the cooking time will be different. Chicken cooks faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
- What else can I add to the cabbage?: You can add grated carrots or apples for a sweet and sour flavor, or even bacon for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving suggestion:
This recipe pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a contrast of textures. Additionally, a glass of red wine will wonderfully complement the rich flavors of the meat.

This beer-braised pork neck recipe with sautéed cabbage is not just a simple dish, but a true invitation to the table, where each bite becomes a celebration of flavors. I invite you to try it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!