Pork roll with spicy plum sauce

Pork Roll with Spicy Plum Sauce

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Who doesn't love a meal that combines sweet and spicy flavors, offering an unforgettable culinary experience? The pork roll with spicy plum sauce is a recipe that will captivate your senses. This delicacy is perfect for special occasions or a more sophisticated family dinner. You will discover not only its incredible taste but also simple techniques that will help you achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients:

For the roll:
- 1.2 kg pork neck
- 400 g ground beef
- 8-9 smoked plums, pitted
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 9-10 chives (green onions)
- 150 ml semi-dry red wine
- 2 star anise
- 4-5 allspice berries
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 20 ml fresh lemon juice
- 4-5 ripe fresh plums
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce:
- 50 ml sweet red wine
- 25 g butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 100 ml water or vegetable stock

Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by finely chopping the red onion, chives, and smoked plums. These ingredients will add a remarkable depth of flavor. Mix them in a large bowl with the ground beef, cumin, cardamom, ginger, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to combine the ingredients until you have a homogeneous mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the pork
Open the pork neck like a book, cutting it lengthwise but not all the way through. Use a meat mallet to gently pound it to an even thickness. This process will help achieve a roll that is easy to roll and has a pleasant texture.

Step 3: Filling and rolling
On the surface of the pork, place the prepared ground meat filling, being careful to leave free edges. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves and sliced fresh plums on top. These will add a note of freshness to the roll. Roll the meat starting from one end and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This step is essential to keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Cooking the roll
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and brown the roll on all sides to achieve a golden crust. Transfer the roll to a baking dish, add the semi-dry red wine, star anise, and allspice. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet where you browned the roll, add the butter, chopped garlic, sweet paprika, and thyme. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the sweet red wine and water or vegetable stock. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens. If you want to thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water and gradually add it to the sauce.

Step 6: Serving
After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and let the roll bake for another 15 minutes to brown. Allow the roll to rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into thick pieces. Serve with the spicy plum sauce on top, and for a note of freshness, add a few fresh mint leaves on the plate.

Serving suggestions:
This pork roll pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. A green salad with lemon and olive oil dressing will add a pleasant contrast.

Possible variations:
If you want to change an ingredient, you can use chicken or turkey instead of pork. Smoked plums can be replaced with dried apricots, and the sauce can be varied with other flavors, such as orange or apple sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
This pork roll recipe is rich in protein due to the meat, and the plums add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Moderate consumption of red meat can be part of a balanced diet, ensuring you get the necessary nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork from another part? Yes, pork from the leg or shoulder can be a good choice.
2. What can I do with the leftovers? Leftovers can be used in delicious sandwiches or salads.
3. How long can the roll be kept? The roll can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

This pork roll with spicy plum sauce is not just a simple recipe but a true culinary experience. I encourage you to try it and let yourself be carried away by its unique flavors. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every bite!