Pork chest with new potatoes in the oven

Pork belly with new potatoes baked: a savory and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

It's a perfect day to prepare a traditional meal, full of flavors and aromas, that brings a touch of warmth to the hearts of loved ones. This recipe for pork belly with new potatoes baked is ideal for a family dinner, but also to impress guests. With a combination of simple yet delicious ingredients, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

A brief history of the recipe
Over time, pork dishes have been considered symbols of prosperity in many cultures. Pork belly, with its tender texture and rich flavor, is often associated with festive meals, as well as moments of joy with family. New potatoes, on the other hand, are a spring ingredient that adds freshness and flavor to any dish.

Ingredients
- 1 piece of pork belly (1.2 - 1.5 kg), ideally lean but with a bit of fat for juiciness
- 1.5 kg new potatoes, washed and peeled
- 1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of green garlic, chopped
- 2 peppers, sliced
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika (or smoked, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic
- Seasoning for roasting (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 350 ml water
- Optional: 50 ml white wine for added flavor

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the pork belly into slices about 1.5 cm thick. It is important that they are uniform to cook evenly. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and roasting spices, making sure to cover it well with flavors.

2. Preparing the vegetables
The new potatoes need to be peeled and cut into medium-thick slices. In a large bowl, mix the potato slices with the green onion, green garlic, and pepper slices. These vegetables will add a fresh and crunchy note to your dish.

3. Assembling the dish
In a heat-resistant glass dish, place the mixture of potatoes and vegetables. Add the paprika, thyme, ketchup, granulated garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and 350 ml of water. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Adding the meat
Place the slices of pork belly on top of the vegetable mixture, ensuring they are evenly arranged. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour. This time will allow the meat to tenderize and the vegetables to absorb the delicious flavors.

6. Finishing the dish
After an hour, remove the dish from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. Check if the liquid in the dish is sufficient; if not, add a little water. Sprinkle chopped garlic, paprika, pepper, and fresh herbs on top. Return the dish to the oven, without foil, for another 30 minutes, or until the meat is nicely browned.

7. Serving
If you find that the pork belly is not tender enough, drizzle it with 50 ml of white wine and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes on low heat. Once the meat is tender and browned, remove the dish from the oven and transfer the potatoes to a platter. Place the slices of pork belly on top, garnish with herbs, garlic slices, and peppers. Don't forget to pour a little juice from the dish over the dish for added flavor.

Serving suggestions
This recipe goes perfectly with a crunchy green salad or a fresh tomato salad to balance the rich taste of the meat and potatoes. A glass of dry white wine or a light beer can perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tricks and tips
- Choose medium-sized new potatoes that cook evenly and have a creamy texture.
- You can experiment with different spices, adding, for example, oregano or basil, to give a Mediterranean taste to the dish.
- If you prefer a spicy note, add some chopped hot peppers to the vegetable mixture.
- The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, retaining its delicious taste.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe contains quality proteins from the pork belly, rich in vitamins and minerals. New potatoes provide a consistent intake of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. In total, a serving has about 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sauces added.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork belly with chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will be reduced.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
Carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower are excellent options to diversify the dish.

3. How can I make the pork belly more tender?
Marinating the meat a few hours before cooking, in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and spices, helps to tenderize it.

I invite you to try this delicious recipe and enjoy its flavors! Every bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and the meal will become an unforgettable moment. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 piece of lean pork shoulder (1.2-1.5 kg) 1.5 kg new potatoes 1 bunch of green onions + garlic 2 bell peppers 1 bunch of fresh parsley 1 bunch of dill 2 tablespoons of olive oil paprika, thyme, ketchup, granulated garlic, steak seasoning, salt, pepper