Pre-cooked pork on a bed of vegetables, baked

Pre-cooked pork leg on a bed of vegetables in the oven

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

This recipe for pre-cooked pork leg on a bed of vegetables in the oven is not only a delicious choice for a family dinner but also an excellent way to bring together rich flavors and varied textures. Oven cooking adds a unique flavor, and the vegetables will absorb all the aromatic juices of the meat, creating a truly savory dish.

A brief history of the recipe

Cooking pork with vegetables is an ancient practice found in many cultures, often associated with festive meals or family gatherings. Pork leg brings a rich flavor, and the combination with vegetables not only enhances the taste but also the nutritional value of the dish. This recipe is perfect for serving on cool days, bringing comfort and warmth in every bite.

Ingredients

- 1 kg pork leg
- 1.5 l water
- salt (to taste)
- a few black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 300 g frozen forest mushrooms (or fresh, if available)
- 6 large potatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 bell pepper
- a little dried marjoram
- a little dried basil
- 1.5 tablespoons sweet paprika
- a little ground black pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or other vegetable oil

Step-by-step preparation

1. Boiling the meat
Start by washing the pork leg under cold water. Then, in a large pot, add the pork leg and 1.5 liters of water. Add a teaspoon of salt, a few black peppercorns, and the two bay leaves. Boil over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until the meat is well cooked. This step will not only make the meat tender but will also create a delicious broth that you will use later.

2. Preparing the vegetables
While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Peel and wash the potatoes, then cut them into quarters. Peel and julienne the onion, slice the carrot into rounds, and the celery into rounds. Cut the bell pepper into thick strips. If the forest mushrooms are frozen, they do not need to be thawed before use.

3. Mixing the vegetables
Place all the vegetables and mushrooms in a large bowl. Sprinkle a little dried marjoram, dried basil, one and a half teaspoons of sweet paprika, salt, and ground pepper. Mix well to combine the flavors. This step is essential as the flavors will intensify during baking.

4. Assembling the dish
Once the meat is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly. Then, slice the pork leg into suitable pieces. In a baking tray, grease the bottom with 3-4 tablespoons of oil. Spread the vegetables and mushrooms evenly on the bottom of the tray, then add the slices of pork on top.

5. Adding the broth
Take a cup of the broth in which the meat was boiled and pour it over the vegetables and meat. This will add moisture and enrich the flavor of the dish.

6. Baking
Cover the tray with baking paper or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check from time to time if the vegetables are well cooked, and if necessary, you can remove the foil in the last 15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Opt for pork leg with a bit of fat, as this will add juiciness to the dish.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, depending on your preferences. You can also try adding different spices, such as cumin or oregano, for a distinct note.
- Serving: This dish is served hot, alongside a fresh salad or with mashed potatoes. A glass of red wine pairs perfectly with this meal.

Nutritional benefits

Pork leg is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for daily energy. Additionally, the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice. Some researchers suggest that oven cooking retains nutrients better than other cooking methods.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will be different.
- What if I don’t have forest mushrooms? You can use champignon mushrooms or any other type of mushrooms you prefer, and the taste will remain delicious.
- How can I store leftovers? The dish keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Final notes

This recipe for pre-cooked pork leg on a bed of vegetables in the oven is not only tasty but also full of convivial moments. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special occasion, you will bring to the table a dish worthy of appreciation. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and experiment with the flavors you like most! Bon appétit!