Spicy pork belly steak with Hasselback potatoes

Spicy Pork Belly Roast with Hasselback Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients needed:

For the pork roast:
- 4 slices of pork belly
- 4 cloves of sliced garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste)
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- Granulated garlic (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of pepper paste
- 1 glass of white wine
- A handful of fresh rosemary
- A handful of dried basil
- A pinch of piri piri or hot paprika (for a spicy kick)

For the Hasselback potatoes:
- 7-8 white potatoes (preferably medium-sized)
- 100 grams of butter
- 4 cloves of crushed garlic
- A handful of dried parsley
- A handful of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- A pinch of saffron (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix (or your favorite spices)

Recipe history:

The spicy pork belly roast with Hasselback potatoes is a perfect blend of culinary tradition and modern innovation. Pork roast is a classic dish found in many households, while Hasselback potatoes, originating from Sweden, have captured the hearts of cooking enthusiasts due to their appealing appearance and delicious flavor. This recipe combines the juicy texture of the meat with the crispiness of the potatoes, creating an unforgettable feast.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by preparing the pork belly. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the slices, then add the sliced garlic. Add the bay leaves, rosemary, and basil. If you enjoy spicy flavors, feel free to add piri piri or hot paprika. For extra flavor, spread the pepper paste over the meat. Pour the glass of white wine over the meat and let it marinate for 30 minutes, if time allows. If not, proceed directly to cooking!

2. Preparing the Hasselback potatoes: Peel the potatoes, and to achieve that signature look, place each potato on a wooden spoon (this will prevent cutting all the way through). Slice each potato thinly, but not all the way down, so they remain whole.

3. Seasoning the potatoes: In a bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed garlic, dried parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and, if desired, a pinch of saffron. Brush the potatoes with this mixture, ensuring it seeps into the sliced sections for thorough flavoring.

4. Cooking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the slices of meat in a baking dish, covering them with aluminum foil. Put the potatoes in a separate tray. Place both dishes in the oven. Let them bake for 40 minutes. Ten minutes before the end, remove the aluminum foil to allow the meat to brown and the potatoes to become crispy.

5. Serving: Once the dish is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the pork roast alongside the Hasselback potatoes, and for a delicious side, add a fresh spinach purée and a garlic sauce with sour cream. These flavors complement each other perfectly, adding a burst of taste to your meal.

Practical tips:
- If you want the meat to be even more tender, you can marinate it the night before. This will allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- The potatoes can be customized with other seasonings, such as grated parmesan or fresh herbs for an even more intense flavor.
- You can also add vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the tray for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pork from another cut? Yes, but pork belly is recommended due to its fat content, which makes it juicy.
- How can I reduce the cooking time? If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the meat into smaller pieces, reducing the baking time to about 30 minutes.
- What is the best side dish for this recipe? Sautéed spinach or a fresh vegetable salad are excellent options that pair well with the roast and potatoes.

Nutritional value:
This recipe offers a combination of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins from the vegetables. One serving has approximately 650 calories, depending on the amount of butter and spices used.

Possible variations:
- Instead of pork belly, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- The potatoes can be replaced with slices of pumpkin or other root vegetables, and the flavors can be adjusted according to your preferences.

Enjoy this delicious dish that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of elegance to your table! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For 2 people: 4 slices of pork breast, 7-8 potatoes, 4 cloves of sliced garlic, 100g butter, 2 bay leaves, black pepper, ground pepper, coarse salt, granulated garlic, dried and fresh parsley, piri piri or hot paprika, rosemary, basil, 1 tablespoon of pepper paste, white wine.