Oven-baked neck with new potatoes

Oven-Baked Pork Neck with New Potatoes Recipe

If you're looking for a tasty meal, full of flavors and easy to prepare, you've come to the right place! Today I will present you with the recipe for Oven-Baked Pork Neck with New Potatoes, a delicious combination that will surely impress your loved ones. This recipe is not only simple but also full of nostalgia, bringing to the forefront moments spent around the table with family. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 3

Ingredients:
- 3 slices of marinated pork neck (preferably with onion for extra flavor)
- 500g of small new potatoes
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
- Salt to taste

Recipe history:
Pork recipes, especially with neck, have a rich and varied history. Over time, these dishes have been associated with festive meals, bringing a touch of warmth and conviviality. The combination with potatoes is a classic choice, and the oven cooking method allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a savory dish, perfect to be served alongside loved ones.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Choose quality marinated neck, as the marinade will give the meat an intense and savory flavor. The new potatoes should be fresh and small, so they cook evenly.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water. Let them boil for about 10-15 minutes until they become slightly soft but not fully cooked - we want them to remain a bit firm! After boiling, drain and let them cool slightly.

3. Preparing the potatoes: Arrange the potatoes on a baking tray. Use a spoon to gently press them down, so they crack a little. This will allow the oil and spices to penetrate the potatoes better. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt, and sprinkle dried rosemary on top.

4. Placing the neck in the oven: Place the slices of marinated neck on an oven rack positioned above the potatoes. This will allow the fat from the meat to drip onto the potatoes, adding a delicious flavor.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. You will know it is ready when the meat turns golden and crispy, and the potatoes are browned from the meat's juices.

6. Preparing the salad: Meanwhile, you can prepare a cucumber salad with yogurt and garlic. Chop a few cucumbers and mix them with natural yogurt, add a little crushed garlic, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. This fresh salad will perfectly balance the richness of the neck and potatoes dish.

7. Serving: Once everything is ready, take the tray out of the oven. Serve the neck alongside the browned potatoes, and the cucumber salad will complete the meal. You can decorate the plate with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a pleasant look.

Practical tips:
- Variations: You can personalize your recipe by adding other spices to the potatoes, such as smoked paprika or garlic powder. You can also replace the neck with other types of meat, such as pork shoulder or chicken.
- Drinks: This meal pairs perfectly with a glass of full-bodied red wine or craft beer. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cold mint tea would complement the flavors well.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this recipe contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. Pork neck is a good source of protein, and new potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and vitamins. The cucumber salad adds extra fiber and hydration.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of pork neck? Yes, you can use chicken, but the baking time will be reduced, so be careful not to dry it out.
- What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftovers, you can make a delicious sandwich or a salad with pork and vegetables.
- How can I prepare the potatoes to be crispier? Instead of boiling them, you can wash them well and bake them directly to achieve a crispier texture.

This Oven-Baked Pork Neck with New Potatoes recipe is simple to make and offers a delicious meal, perfect for special occasions or a family dinner. I wish you good cooking and enjoy every bite!