Pork knuckle in wine sauce with mustard

To prepare an oven-baked ham hock with intense flavors and a juicy texture, we start by studding the hock well with fresh garlic. We slice a few garlic cloves thinly and carefully insert them into the cuts made on the surface of the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. This step not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the meat during cooking.

In a large pot, we add all the necessary ingredients for marinating the hock: a combination of water, white wine, spices like pepper, sweet paprika, salt, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. We mix these ingredients well to create a homogeneous sauce, ensuring that all the flavors blend perfectly. Then, we place the hock in the pot, cover it with a lid, and put everything in the preheated oven at 120°C.

Low heat is essential to allow the hock to cook slowly, becoming extremely tender and flavorful. During the 5 hours of cooking, it is important to check the hock from time to time, gently turning it and adding sauce from the pot to keep the meat moist and enhance caramelization. This slow cooking technique will give the hock a delicious crust while keeping the inside soft and juicy.

After the 5 hours have passed, the hock will look spectacular, with a golden and appetizing crust. We take it out of the oven and prepare to serve it. An excellent idea is to place it on a bed of braised red cabbage, which will add a touch of acidity and balance the richness of the meat. Alternatively, we can opt for steamed potatoes or a fluffy puree, which will perfectly complement the dish.

The sauce left in the pot can be served separately, and for added consistency, we can thicken it with a handful of cornmeal, gradually adding it while stirring. This sauce will bring an extra layer of flavor and turn each serving into a true culinary delight. So, all that’s left is to enjoy this delicious dish with loved ones, savoring the rich flavors and varied textures it offers. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 pork hock, 2 cups mustard, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups Coca-Cola, 2 cups chicken broth (water + cube), 1 1/2 cups white wine, 4 cloves of garlic cut into quarters lengthwise, 1/2 pack of butter/margarine, salt and pepper

 Tags:  chicken meat garlic soup unt wine pig sugar margarine christmas and new year's recipes gluten-free recipes