Pork shoulder in a casserole with mashed potatoes and fried onions

Pork leg in a yena dish with mashed potatoes and fried onions

When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more comforting than a traditional meal, full of flavor and love. This recipe for yena pot roast pork leg accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes with roasted onions is just what you need to impress your family or friends. Not only is it a simple recipe, but also one that will make you feel like a real professional chef in your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2,5 kg pork pulp
- 8-10 garlic cloves
- 4-5 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons dried thyme
- ½ cup water
- 1.5 kg potatoes
- 7 medium onions

Recipe history
Pork is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes all over the world. Slow-cooked, the meat becomes tender and succulent, and the combination of mashed potatoes and fried onions makes this dish a real feast. Over time, pork recipes have evolved, but the essence has remained the same: the comfort and satisfaction of enjoying a home-cooked meal.

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the pork leg thoroughly under cold running water. Once the meat has been washed, wipe it with a clean cloth to remove excess water. This step is essential for even browning. Next, take a knife and make a few deep holes in the meat on both sides. This is the perfect place to insert the garlic cloves, which will give an unmistakable flavor to your dish.

Step 2: Seasoning
Start seasoning the pork. Sprinkle salt and thyme on both sides of the meat. Olive oil will help caramelize the meat and add a touch of flavor. Pour the oil over the meat and massage well, making sure it is evenly distributed. Next, add ½ cup of water to the yena pot. Cover the dish with a lid and place in the preheated oven at 180°C.

Step 3: Cooking the meat
Leave the pork to cook for about 1 hour. After this time, take the dish out of the oven and turn the meat on its side for even browning. Cover again and cook for another hour or until the meat is tender and juicy and the juices run clear.

Step 4: Preparing the mashed potatoes
While the meat is cooking, you can start preparing the mashed potatoes. Peel 1.5 kg of potatoes, dice and boil in a pot of salted water. The potatoes will be ready when you can pierce them easily with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes. When they are done, drain the water.

Step 5: Frying the onions
In a frying pan, melt a couple tablespoons of oil and add the cleaned and diced onions. Sauté over medium heat until golden and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Finalizing the puree
Add the fried onions over the boiled potatoes and mash everything together with a potato masher. You can add a little milk or butter for a creamier texture, but this step is optional. Make sure the mash is well blended and homogenized.

Step 7: Serving
Once the meat is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the pork alongside the mashed potatoes with fried onions. You can also add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a contrast of flavors.

Helpful tips:
- You can add other spices of your preference, such as rosemary or sweet paprika, for added flavor.
- If you want a gravy, you can use the juices left in the yena pot, adding a little starch to thicken.
- This recipe is perfect served with a dry red wine or a good quality beer.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork leg with beef or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep fresh for 3 days.
3. What garnish goes best?
In addition to mashed potatoes, you can add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc. Mashed potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, and onions add antioxidants, benefiting immune health.

Possible variations:
- Instead of mashed potatoes, you can opt for mashed celery or sweet potatoes for a different taste.
- Add fresh herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor, such as parsley or dill.

This recipe for yenne pork leg with mashed potatoes and fried onions is not only a delicious dish, but also a cooking experience you will love. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite, because cooking is an art worth celebrating!