Pork neck with tomato juice and wine baked in the oven

Delicious Pork Neck Recipe with Tomato Juice and Wine Baked in the Oven

Welcome to the world of flavors and deliciousness! Today, I invite you to prepare a classic recipe, pork neck with tomato juice and wine baked in the oven. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a special event. Whether you are an experienced cook or an enthusiastic beginner, I will guide you step by step to achieve a spectacular result.

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 8 slices of pork neck (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 large onion
- 1 red bell pepper (or green, according to preference)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of tomato juice (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cup of white wine (approximately 250 ml)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme (or fresh, as preferred)

Nutritional information:

This pork neck recipe is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Pork neck provides an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. The white wine brings antioxidants, and the tomatoes are full of lycopene, a beneficial compound for health. On average, a serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the portions served.

A brief history:

Pork neck is a popular cut of meat, appreciated for its juiciness and flavors. Pork dishes have been cooked throughout history in many cultures, holding special significance during festive meals. The combination of meat with vegetables and savory sauces has become a tradition in many households, and today’s recipe is a modern interpretation of these traditions.

Preparing the ingredients:

1. Start by washing the pork neck slices well under a stream of cold water. Dry them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. It is important to have quality meat, so choose the neck with a thin layer of fat, which will help retain juiciness during cooking.

2. Season the pork neck slices with salt, pepper, and thyme on both sides. Thyme adds a deep and earthy flavor, perfect for pork.

3. Cut the onion into thin strips (julienne) and the carrot into rounds. The red bell pepper can be cut into long strips. Crush the garlic with the blade of a knife to release all the flavors.

Baking in the oven:

4. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, add a little oil to grease the bottom. Then, place the evenly cut onion and carrot. These vegetables will form a flavorful bed for the pork neck.

5. Place the pork neck slices over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Between the slices of meat, add the strips of red bell pepper and crushed garlic. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the meat during cooking.

6. Put the dish in the oven for 20 minutes, turning the slices of pork neck halfway through, to brown evenly. This step is important for achieving a steak with a beautiful crust.

7. After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Add the cup of white wine and the cup of tomato juice, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. The white wine will add a pleasant acidity, and the tomato juice will provide a delicious sauce.

8. Increase the oven temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and leave the dish in the oven for 100 minutes. This long cooking time will ensure that the pork neck becomes tender and full of flavors. You can check occasionally, but do not open the oven too often to avoid losing heat.

Serving and suggestions:

After the cooking time has expired, remove the dish from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.

To serve, you can place the slices of pork neck on a platter, alongside the cooked vegetables and the delicious sauce formed in the dish. A side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad can perfectly complement this meal.

Variations and serving suggestions:

If you want to experiment, you can also add other vegetables to the oven, such as potatoes or zucchini. You can also replace the white wine with red wine for a different taste. An interesting option is to add green or black olives for a Mediterranean touch.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can also use other types of pork, such as shoulder or loin, but the cooking time may change.

2. Is the recipe suitable for making in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork neck a day in advance and reheat it in the oven, covered with aluminum foil, to retain juiciness.

3. What wine should I choose?
Choose a quality dry white wine, but don’t hesitate to experiment with red wines or even a rosé, depending on your preferences.

I hope this recipe for pork neck with tomato juice and wine baked in the oven will inspire you to cook with love and share unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal and joy in the kitchen!