Pork tenderloin stuffed with boiled egg in tomato sauce

Stuffed pork knuckle with boiled eggs in tomato sauce

This delicious recipe for stuffed pork knuckle with boiled eggs in tomato sauce is a savory and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or a special lunch. Its origins are steeped in history, with roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures that have used combinations of meat and interesting fillings to enhance flavor. In this recipe, the succulent meat combines with the flavors of tomatoes and spices, while the boiled eggs add a surprising and flavorful touch.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 650 g pork knuckle
- 1 small carrot
- a few pieces of bell pepper
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2 eggs
- 3 large garden tomatoes
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the eggs: Start by placing the eggs in a pot with cold water. Heat the pot over medium heat and let the eggs boil for 10-12 minutes until hard-boiled. After boiling, transfer the eggs to a bowl with cold water to cool quickly. This trick will help you peel the eggs more easily.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Meanwhile, peel the carrot and slice it thinly. Clean and wash the garlic, and dip the tomatoes in hot water for a few seconds, then peel and grate them to obtain a fresh tomato paste.

3. Seasoning the sauce: In a bowl, mix the tomato paste obtained with salt, pepper, and a little basil. This will be the sauce that envelops the pork knuckle and gives it an irresistible taste.

4. Preparing the pork knuckle: Wash the pork knuckle under a stream of cold water and pat it dry with a towel to remove excess water. Use a sharp knife to create a hole in the center of the knuckle, large enough to insert the boiled eggs. You can also make a few small holes on the surface where you will add the garlic cloves and pieces of bell pepper.

5. Stuffing the knuckle: Insert the boiled eggs into the created hole, making sure they are well positioned. Use toothpicks to close the ends of the knuckle so that the filling does not leak during baking. Then, add a few garlic cloves and pieces of bell pepper into the small holes you made earlier.

6. Seasoning the knuckle: Grease a baking dish with oil and add a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the stuffed knuckle on top, seasoning it with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, thyme, and basil. Arrange the carrot slices and cubed bell pepper around the meat.

7. Baking: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 160°C (medium temperature). Bake the knuckle for 2-2.5 hours, basting the meat occasionally with the juices released by the tomatoes to keep it succulent.

8. Serving: Once the knuckle is well cooked and the aroma spreads throughout the house, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a pleasant contrast.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the pork knuckle is of good quality, preferably from a trusted supplier, to achieve the best taste.
- You can add other vegetables to the tomato sauce, such as zucchini or onion, for an even more complex flavor.
- If you want a spicier version, add a little chili pepper to the tomato sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers an excellent combination of protein from meat and eggs, vitamins and minerals from vegetables, as well as antioxidants from tomatoes. It is a hearty meal, ideal for providing energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken breast, but the baking time will be shorter.
- How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheat before serving.
- Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed pork knuckle, but make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

To complement this wonderful dish, I recommend serving it with a dry red wine or fresh tomato juice, which will bring a note of freshness and highlight the intense flavors of the meat and sauce. This recipe for stuffed pork knuckle with boiled eggs in tomato sauce will surely become a favorite in your kitchen, bringing a touch of joy and flavor to every meal. Enjoy your meal!