Ingredients
1 pork leg (approx. 1.5 – 2 kg)
4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices
2 large onions, quartered
3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
4 cloves of crushed garlic
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 tablespoon hot pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1/2 cup sunflower oil
Preparation
Prepare the meat:
Wash and dry the pork knuckle thoroughly. Brush with sunflower oil and season with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, hot pepper (if using), and dried thyme. Let the meat rest while you prepare the vegetables.
Prepare the vegetables:
Place the potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic and bay leaves in a baking dish. Drizzle the vegetables with a little oil, salt and pepper, and mix them well so that they are evenly seasoned.
Assemble the plate:
Place the knuckle on the bed of vegetables. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the knuckle from drying out during the early stages of cooking.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cook the knuckle for 2 hours covered with aluminum foil. Remove the paper and raise the temperature to 200°C. Let it bake for another 30-45 minutes so that the skin of the knuckle is golden brown and crispy.
Rest and serve:
Once the knuckle is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to be more tender.
Additional tips:
Pre-marinade: If you have time, leave the knuckle marinating overnight in a mixture of oil, garlic, paprika, and herbs.
Sauce: Use the juice left on the tray to make a spectacular sauce. You just need to deglaze the dish with a little white wine or broth and reduce it to the heat.
Accompaniments: Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread to complete the experience.
Even more tender texture: If you have time, simmer the knuckle first in a broth (vegetable or pork) for 1-2 hours before baking. This will make it even smoother and full of flavor.
This baked pork knuckle promises to conquer everyone at the table with its irresistible flavor and unmatched texture. Enjoy your meal and enjoy these unique flavors!