Steak in wine

The joy of a hearty lunch is hard to match, and today's recipe brings to the table a savory dish that combines the intense flavors of pork with the delicacy of perfectly seasoned potatoes. We will prepare a pork roast with 'accordion' potatoes, soaked in red wine, which will turn any meal into a celebration of taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (ideally neck, but you can also use other parts like the thigh)
- 1 kg potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 500 ml red wine (choose a quality wine that you would be willing to drink)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked, if you prefer a stronger taste)
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 4-5 garlic cloves

A bit of history:
Pork roast with wine is an old recipe, a rustic combination that has been appreciated over time in various cultures. Garlic and wine have been used since ancient times not only to flavor dishes but also for their health benefits. 'Accordion' potatoes are a modern innovation, bringing an elegant look and a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the roast.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat:
- Start by washing the piece of pork well under a stream of cold water. Then, dry it with a paper towel.
- Take a plate and mix the salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the meat with this mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Use your fingers to massage the entire surface of the meat with a little olive oil. This step will not only help the meat not stick to the tray but will also enhance its flavor.

2. Stuffing the meat:
- With a sharp knife, make a few incisions in the meat and insert a few garlic cloves into them. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat during baking.

3. Preparing the potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, but not completely, leaving them connected at the base to create the 'accordion' effect. This method will allow the potatoes to bake evenly and absorb the flavors from the tray.
- Salt them, pepper them, and sprinkle the sweet paprika over them. Add a little olive oil and finely chopped rosemary, mixing well to ensure each slice is coated.

4. Assembling the dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Choose a heat-resistant tray and place the meat in the center. Arrange the 'accordion' potatoes around it.
- Pour the red wine into the tray, being careful not to splash the meat, so as not to dilute the flavors. The wine will add a special taste and help tenderize the meat.

5. Baking:
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove it to allow the meat to brown nicely. Let the dish bake for about 1 hour, until the meat is tender and the potatoes are crunchy.

6. Serving:
- Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This time will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it even juicier.
- Serve the pork roast with the 'accordion' potatoes alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add a note of freshness.

Practical tips and tricks:
- Choose pork with a bit of fat, as this will add flavor and prevent it from drying out.
- If you want to intensify the aroma, you can add a few sprigs of rosemary to the wine in the tray.
- You can also use other vegetables, such as carrots or onions, alongside the potatoes to diversify the dish.
- Instead of red wine, you can experiment with white wine, and the flavors will change but will remain just as delicious.

Frequently asked questions:
1. What wine should I use?
- Choose a dry red wine with a pleasant taste that you would be willing to drink. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would be excellent options.

2. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
- Yes, but the baking time will be reduced. Make sure the chicken is well cooked but not dried out.

3. How can I make the potatoes even crunchier?
- You can pre-boil them in salted water for 10 minutes before seasoning and baking them in the oven.

Suggested pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine, but also with a pale beer. Additionally, a cabbage or beet salad would add a fresh and crunchy note.

In conclusion, the pork roast with 'accordion' potatoes is a simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for family meals or gatherings with friends. So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy a quiet lunch full of flavors and love!