Pork Roll

Pork Roll with Oven Vegetables - a savory and aromatic recipe

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

We present you with a delicious recipe for pork roll, perfect for festive meals or a family dinner. This roll combines succulent meat with aromatic vegetables and a rich sauce, resulting in a dish that will delight everyone at the table. Even those who are not big meat lovers will be impressed by its taste!

Brief history
Meat rolls have a long tradition in international cuisine, being prepared in various forms and with different fillings. They offer not only an appetizing appearance but also the possibility to combine multiple ingredients into one dish. The pork roll we will prepare today is a blend of tradition and innovation, adding flavor through the inclusion of bacon and smoked sausage.

Ingredients
For the roll:
- 500 g pork shoulder (a large, thin strip)
- 2-3 strips of smoked bacon
- 1 thick smoked sausage (country-style)
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the vegetable sauce:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 250 ml meat broth (or boiled water with 1 broth cube)
- 200 ml red wine

Preparation
1. Preparing the meat: Start by laying the pork shoulder strip on a clean surface. Use a meat mallet to gently tenderize it so that it becomes thinner and easier to roll. Sprinkle salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and crushed garlic evenly over the surface of the meat.

2. Adding the filling: Place the strips of smoked bacon and the lengthwise cut sausage in the center of the meat. These ingredients will add a special flavor to your roll.

3. Rolling: Carefully roll the meat, starting from one end, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Tie the roll with kitchen twine, first lengthwise and then widthwise, to ensure that the filling does not escape during baking.

4. Preparing the vegetables: In a baking dish, add the oil, sliced onion, sliced carrot, and spices (paprika, garlic, and thyme). These vegetables will form the base of the sauce and contribute to the flavors of the dish.

5. Initial baking: Place the meat roll on top of the vegetables in the baking dish. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place the dish in the oven for 20 minutes. This step will help seal the juices in the meat.

6. Preparing the sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the roll from the oven. Add the 2 teaspoons of tomato paste over the vegetables, deglaze with 200 ml of red wine and 250 ml of warm broth. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven.

7. Final baking: In another greased baking dish, transfer the pork roll. Bake in the oven for 1 - 1.5 hours, turning the roll occasionally to brown evenly. Meanwhile, the flavors from the vegetables and wine will combine, creating a delicious sauce.

8. Finalizing the dish: At the end, remove the vegetables and use only the sauce for serving. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mash the vegetables and add them to the sauce. This will add a creamy texture and intensified flavor.

9. Serving: Carefully unwrap the roll from the twine and slice it into thick rounds. Serve it warm, alongside the rich sauce and, why not, with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Tips and useful advice
- Choosing the meat: Make sure to choose a quality pork shoulder to achieve a juicy roll. You can opt for meat with a bit of fat, which will help retain the juices during baking.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or herbs, to customize this recipe to your taste.
- Serving: The roll pairs perfectly with a quality red wine to enhance the flavors of the dish. Additionally, a cabbage salad or a side of grilled vegetables will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits
This pork roll provides an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables in the sauce bring an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Red wine, consumed in moderation, can offer cardiovascular benefits due to its antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can experiment with chicken or turkey, but the baking time may vary.
- How can I store the roll for later? The roll can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the taste will be even better the next day after the flavors have intensified.
- Can I freeze the roll? It is recommended to freeze it before baking to retain the juiciness of the meat.

Enjoy this delicious recipe for pork roll with oven vegetables, which will bring a touch of warmth and flavor to every meal! Experiment and customize the recipe to your preferences, and don’t forget to share the experience with your loved ones!