Christmas is steeped in tradition. Special foods! Gifts! Songs! You may want to add this Nordic tradition to your festivities: Pork belly baked with the skin on, which becomes astonishingly crispy. Two simple but strategic accompaniments: braised red cabbage and sugar browned potatoes. The acid from the vinegar and sweetness from the lingonberry jam in the braised red cabbage cuts through the rich pork. The sugar browned potatoes are both creamy and sweet, a perfect contrast to the crisp and salty pork.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 12h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- For the pork belly: Pat the skin of the pork belly completely dry. Using a sharp knife, cut parallel lines across the skin and fat, about a 1/2 inch apart, making sure not to cut down into the meat.
- Mix the salt, baking powder and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the pork all over with the salt mixture, making sure to get it into the grooves on the skin. Place the pork skin-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours (see Cook's Note).
- About an hour before cooking the pork, allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Pour 4 cups of water into the roasting pan with the pork (this will prevent the drippings from burning). Cook until the meat is tender but not falling apart, about 3 hours.
- For the cabbage: Meanwhile, add the cabbage, vinegar, jam, sugar and salt to a large high-sided skillet and mix to combine. Cover, place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally to make sure the cabbage is not browning, until softened and no longer crisp, about 20 minutes. The cabbage will release some moisture, but if it starts to stick to the bottom of the skillet or seems dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to moisten. Keep warm.
- For the potatoes: Put the potatoes in a medium pot, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender but not too soft, about 15 minutes. Drain into a colander and set aside for about 10 minutes. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them with your hands or a paring knife.
- Meanwhile, add the sugar to a large skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar is completely melted, about 3 minutes. When the edges start to turn brown, after about another 3 minutes, add the butter and kosher salt. Using a rubber spatula, stir carefully to combine. Continue to cook until the mixture is amber, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring gently to coat them with the browned sugar, until heated through, about 4 minutes. (Don't worry if the sugar hardens when you first add the potatoes; it will melt again.) Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
- After the pork belly has cooked for 3 hours, increase the oven temperature to 475 degrees F and continue to cook until the skin is crisp and brown, about 20 minutes more. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the cabbage and potatoes.
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Danny Foxen
fdanny87@yahoo.comThis dish is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's definitely worth it. The results are amazing!
Mohamed awed Mohamed
mm@yahoo.comI'm not a big fan of pork belly, but this recipe changed my mind. The pork belly was cooked to perfection and the cabbage was delicious.
Bhivesh Uppiah
bhivesh.u70@hotmail.comThis dish is a bit challenging to make, but it's definitely worth the effort. The results are amazing!
john bailey
b.john@hotmail.frI've made this dish several times and it always turns out great. It's a family favorite.
Prima Dishwa
p.d32@gmail.comThis recipe is perfect for a special occasion. It's elegant and delicious.
Saroj Chaydhary
c38@gmail.comI made this dish for my family and they loved it! Even my picky eater son ate seconds.
Joseph Mulusa
josephm74@gmail.comThis dish is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's definitely worth it. The results are amazing!
Nazmul Sakib
s@hotmail.co.ukI was a bit hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a big fan of pork belly. But I'm so glad I did! The pork belly was cooked to perfection and the cabbage was delicious.
Ramon Chavez
chavezr62@yahoo.comThis recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now and it always turns out perfectly. The pork belly is always crispy and the cabbage is always flavorful.
gills_journey 120
gills_journey-189@gmail.comI made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about how delicious it was. The pork belly was especially popular.
kathy Harbarger
harbarger@hotmail.co.ukThis dish was absolutely amazing! The pork belly was crispy and flavorful, the red cabbage was sweet and tangy, and the potatoes were perfectly browned. I will definitely be making this again.