Pork terrine wrapped in bacon

Pork Terrine Wrapped in Bacon

This delicious pork terrine recipe, wrapped in bacon, is a classic dish that adds a touch of elegance to any table. The terrine is a type of meat loaf made from minced meat, served at room temperature, and enjoys popularity in many culinary cultures. The idea of baking meat in a special dish that gives it a soft and juicy texture dates back to ancient times when people used ingenious methods to preserve meat.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg minced pork
- 16 slices of bacon (or more if you prefer)
- 2 medium onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bread (preferably whole grain)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary utensils:
- A large mixing bowl
- A loaf pan (preferably ceramic)
- A larger baking tray for the water bath
- Aluminum foil
- A spoon for leveling
- A weight or another loaf pan for pressing

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions and crushing the garlic cloves. These will add an intense flavor to your dish. Also, cut the bread into small cubes for easier incorporation into the meat mixture.

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, garlic, eggs, bread cubes, parsley, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well until you achieve a homogeneous paste, similar to that for meatballs. This mixture is key to getting a juicy and flavorful terrine.

3. Preparing the pan: Take the loaf pan and line the edges with bacon slices, letting some hang over the sides. This step will not only add delicious flavor but will also prevent the terrine from drying out during baking.

4. Adding the meat mixture: Place the meat mixture into the pan, pressing gently to level it out. Make sure it is well compacted to achieve an even terrine.

5. Covering with bacon: Fold the bacon slices that hang over the meat mixture over the top, ensuring it is well covered. If you love bacon, feel free to add a few slices on top for an even more appetizing appearance.

6. Cooking in a water bath: Wrap the loaf pan in aluminum foil, then place it in a larger tray. Fill the tray with hot water so that it comes halfway up the loaf pan. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius and let the terrine bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cooking in a water bath will keep the moisture and prevent excessive browning.

7. Checking doneness: The terrine is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, without red juices. If you desire a slightly browned crust, remove the aluminum foil in the last 5 minutes and set the oven to grill.

8. Cooling and pressing: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and drain the juices. Cover again with foil and place a weight (another filled loaf pan or anything heavy) on top to press the terrine. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This step will help firm up the terrine and enhance the flavors.

9. Serving: Once the terrine has cooled and set, carefully turn it out onto a platter. Slice and serve alongside a salad of raw vegetables or sauces of your choice, such as mustard sauce or yogurt sauce with herbs. This is a perfect choice for a hearty breakfast or a light dinner.

Practical tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, adding pork liver for a deeper flavor or nuts and dried fruits for a sweet note.
- Creative serving: Serve the terrine with toasted bread or savory crackers to add a contrast of textures.
- Frequently asked questions: "Can I use chicken or turkey?" Absolutely! These variations are delicious, but make sure to adjust the baking time as poultry cooks faster.
- Nutritional information: A serving of pork terrine contains approximately 350 calories, providing essential proteins and healthy fats, but it should be consumed in moderation due to the salt content from the bacon.

This pork terrine wrapped in bacon is not only a tasty dish but also an excellent way to impress family and friends with an elegant and flavorful meal. Enjoy your meal!