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Oven-baked Pork Knuckle with Potatoes

17/11/2023

The aroma of oven-baked pork knuckle with potatoes is one of those delights that brings the family together around the table. Let’s see together how to prepare this specialty.

Ingredients

  • 2 large pork knuckles
  • 800 grams of potatoes
  • Fresh rosemary
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Coarse salt
  • Black pepper
  • Light beer or meat broth (optional for deglazing)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Wash the knuckles well and pat them dry with kitchen paper. If you like, you can score the skin lightly in a diamond pattern.
  3. Peel the potatoes and cut them into wedges or cubes of uniform size.
  4. Take a large enough baking tray, greased with oil, and place the knuckles in the center. Arrange the potatoes around them.
  5. Crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and place them in the tray along with a few sprigs of rosemary.
  6. Sprinkle the pork knuckles and potatoes with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  7. (Optional) You can deglaze with a bit of light beer or meat broth poured into the tray to add moisture and flavor during cooking.
  8. Cook in the preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the knuckles are nicely golden and crispy on the outside, and the potatoes are tender. If necessary, cover with aluminum foil to prevent the surface from browning too much.
  9. During cooking, baste the knuckles and potatoes occasionally with the cooking juices to keep them moist and flavorful.
  10. Before serving, let the meat rest for a few minutes.

Curiosity

Pork knuckle is a dish typical of German cuisine and Central-Eastern Europe. In Italy, it is often found during holidays or special occasions, served with hearty sides like potatoes or polenta. Slow oven cooking allows the muscle fibers in the knuckle to soften and become succulent, while the skin becomes crispy and tasty.

I recommend savoring this dish with a nice glass of full-bodied red wine, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the knuckle and the rustic taste of the potatoes. Enjoy your meal!