Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering beer-marinated pork neck served alongside spiced potatoes and a vibrant fresh tomato salad. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of tender pork infused with the subtle bitterness of beer, the warmth of spiced potatoes, and the refreshing crunch of a tomato salad. Perfect for a weekend feast or a special gathering, this dish will impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Neck:
- 1 kg pork neck
- 150 ml light beer
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spiced Potatoes:
- Potatoes (as needed, depending on the number of servings)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Khmeli-Suneli (Georgian spice blend)
- Olive oil for roasting
- Salt to taste
For the Fresh Tomato Salad:
- 2 pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced (for the salad dressing)
- Olive oil (for the dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Pork Neck
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the light beer, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the pork neck to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Seal and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors deeply infuse into the meat.
- Cook the Pork:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Remove the pork neck from the marinade and place it in a roasting dish. Discard the marinade.
- Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and cooked through, basting occasionally with its own juices.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Potatoes
- Season the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into wedges or chunks.
- In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, paprika, Khmeli-Suneli, and salt. Ensure they are evenly coated.
- Roast the Potatoes:
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Salad
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Add the chopped fresh coriander and walnuts.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Step 4: Serve the Feast
- Plate the Dish:
- Arrange slices of the beer-marinated pork neck on a serving platter.
- Serve alongside the spiced potatoes and fresh tomato salad.
- Garnish with additional fresh coriander if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve this flavorful feast immediately, enjoying the combination of tender, juicy pork, crispy potatoes, and the fresh, tangy salad.
Conclusion:
This beer-marinated pork neck with spiced potatoes and fresh tomato salad is a feast for the senses. The savory depth of the marinated pork, the warmth of the spiced potatoes, and the refreshing crunch of the salad create a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite for its rich flavors and inviting presentation. Enjoy your flavorful feast!