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Smoked Shank with Potatoes and Sauerkraut

17/11/2023

The smoked shank with potatoes and sauerkraut is a hearty and delicious dish, inspired by the culinary tradition of Central European countries, but let me propose a slightly revisited version with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

  • 2 smoked pork shanks
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes
  • 500 g of sauerkraut
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cloves
  • 400 ml of meat broth
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 glass of Italian white wine (for example, a Friulano)
  • Cumin seeds (optional, for a more traditional note)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Starting with the shanks, if they are not already cooked, score them lightly on the surface to facilitate the absorption of flavors.
  3. Peel the onion and cut it into four wedges, then add it to a baking dish along with the shanks, crushed garlic, bay leaves, and cloves.
  4. Pour the glass of white wine and meat broth into the baking dish, then bake and cook the shanks for about 2 hours or until tender, basting them occasionally with the cooking juices.
  5. Meanwhile, wash, peel, and chop the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until soft.
  6. In a pan, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the drained sauerkraut. If you like the taste of cumin, also add the cumin seeds at this time. Cook for a few minutes, adjusting the salt and pepper.
  7. Once the shanks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
  8. Serve the hot shanks accompanied by the sauerkraut and boiled potatoes. If you wish, you can create an emulsion with the cooking juices by blending and straining it, then pour it over the shanks as a sauce.

Curiosity

The smoked shank is a typical dish of German and Austrian cuisine, where it is known respectively as “Schweinshaxe” or “Stelze”. In Italy, the non-smoked variant is common, especially in the North, where the influence of Central European cuisine is stronger. For example, in Trentino-South Tyrol, the shank is often served with sauerkraut and dumplings, representing a meeting of different culinary cultures.