Roast pork

Delicious Oven-Baked Pork with Caramelized Onions

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Discover a simple and tasty recipe for oven-baked pork, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This impressive dish is easy to make, and the final result will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. The pork pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions, bringing a rich flavor and inviting aroma.

Ingredients needed:

- 1.5 kg of pork (shoulder or chop)
- 3-4 large onions
- 6-8 cloves of garlic
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary)
- 1 glass of white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional for caramelization)
- 500 ml of water or meat broth

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Wash the pork and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Slice the onions into thin rings and peel the garlic cloves, leaving them whole. These ingredients will add an intense flavor and delicious aroma to your dish.

Step 2: Caramelizing the onions
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle salt over them. The salt will help the onions release their juices, facilitating caramelization. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to brown until they become golden and soft, about 15-20 minutes. If you want a sweeter taste, you can add a tablespoon of honey in the last minutes of cooking.

Step 3: Preparing the pork
In a baking dish, season the pork with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Add the whole garlic cloves and, if using, the white wine. This ingredient will add a note of acidity and help tenderize the meat. Place the caramelized onions on top of the pork and pour water or meat broth to maintain moisture.

Step 4: Baking in the oven
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake at 180°C for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and let the meat brown for another 30 minutes, until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside. Check occasionally to prevent it from drying out, adding a little liquid if necessary.

Step 5: Serving
Once the meat is ready, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices in the meat. Serve the oven-baked pork alongside sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. A unique suggestion would be to add caramelized apple or pear slices, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Variations and useful tips:
For a touch of freshness, you can add a few slices of lemon on top of the meat before baking. If you want a more intense flavor, replace the white wine with a pale beer. This oven-baked pork recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on available ingredients or personal preferences.

Enjoy a delicious dish that perfectly combines the flavor of pork with the sweetness of caramelized onions, transforming an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience!

 Ingredients: 400 g pork neck, 2 onions, 1 head of garlic, rosemary, thyme, cherry tomatoes, 1 hot pepper, fresh basil, olive oil, red wine, salt, pepper.