| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 876 | 70g | 26g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 2g | 40g | 1g |
Why I Love British Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce
One of the reasons I truly adore the Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce recipe is its harmonious blending of hearty and sweet flavors – a culinary symphony that not only sparks joy in my palate, but also a sense of nostalgia.
A Twist to Traditional Comfort Food
Being raised in New Jersey, a state known for its vibrant mix of cultures, I’ve had the privilege of tasting a vast array of cuisines. While my roots are firmly planted in Italian-American traditions, my culinary sensibilities have always been open to exploration. The Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce recipe, though distinctly British, echoes the earthy yet hearty delicacies that I grew up with.
The succulent pork belly, seasoned faultlessly with salt and pepper, reminds me of the beloved family Sunday dinners during which meatballs held the spotlight. Bursting with sweet yet earthy notes from the apple cider, the sauce pays homage to the homely bowls of spaghetti that odd nonna used to lovingly prepare. Though we didn’t have pork belly in our family roster back then, the same sense of comfort and familial connection is tangible in each bite of this dish.
Culinary Inspiration Abound
Having been a food enthusiast for decades, I’ve had the chance to witness and learn from numerous esteemed chefs. One of the individuals who have significantly influenced my culinary journey is, unquestionably, Jamie Oliver. His passion for making food accessible and enjoyable for all is nothing short of inspiring. The way Jamie marries simple yet quality ingredients to create dishes that are hearty and flavorful, such as this extraordinary Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce, has been instrumental in forming my own cooking philosophy.
As much as this recipe brings a new dimension to conventional roast dinners, it incredibly retains its compatibility with classic side dishes. Whether it’s a heap of creamy mashed potatoes, a refreshing salad made of locally sourced greens, or a crusty baguette fresh from the bakery, there are countless ways to round out your delightful Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce meal.
The little joys and experiences surrounding food are what make the process worthwhile for me. So, step into your kitchen and give this Pork Belly with Apple and Cider Sauce recipe a shot. You might just discover your new favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds of pork belly
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, season the pork belly with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork belly skin side down and cook until it turns a crispy brown color. Turn the pork over and sear the other side as well. Once both sides are browned, remove the pork from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook these over medium heat until they turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the apple cider. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon, scraping up any residue from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the cider has reduced by approximately half.
Step Five
Next, add in the chicken stock, followed by the chopped Granny Smith apples, chopped fresh thyme leaves, and chopped fresh rosemary leaves. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step Six
Return the pork belly back to the pan, immersing it in the mixture. Cover the pan and place it in the preheated oven.
Step Seven
Bake the pork belly for approximately 2.5 hours, or until it becomes tender. Ensure to check it periodically, adding more stock or water if necessary.
Step Eight
Once ready, allow the pork belly to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm, along with the apple and cider sauce.
