There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you step away from the kitchen stove and head out to the fire pit. In South Africa, we know the power of the braai, but across the Atlantic in the highlands of Michoacán, Mexico, they use the flame for a different kind of alchemy: Carnitas.
(more…)Category: Pork
pork
There is something properly magical about a dish that forces you to slow down.
We live in a world of “30-minute meals” and instant gratification, but some of the best things in life just take time. Pork cheeks are exactly that. They aren’t a cut of meat you can rush. They demand a slow, gentle afternoon in the oven, transforming from a tough muscle into something so tender you could eat it with a spoon.
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There is something universally comforting about a Sunday roast, but sometimes the usual suspects need a vibrant update. If you have a pork loin and a few oranges in your fruit bowl, you are halfway to creating one of South America’s most beloved festive dishes.
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Balandėliai, or Lithuanian cabbage rolls, is a comforting dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savoury pork and rice filling, simmered in a rich, tangy broth. Perfect for family gatherings or a cosy dinner, this traditional recipe brings warmth and flavour to the table, showcasing Lithuania’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals.
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This flavourful dish features tender pork neck coated with a fragrant herb and spice rub, wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s a hearty, delicious main course that pairs well with roasted vegetables or creamy polenta.
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The bifana is a beloved Portuguese street food, celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. This quintessential sandwich features thinly sliced pork marinated in a garlicky, wine-infused blend, seared to perfection, and tucked into a crusty roll. Often enjoyed at festivals, markets, or casual tascas, bifanas are a staple of Portuguese comfort food, with regional variations adding unique twists. This recipe delivers an authentic taste of Portugal, perfect for a lively gathering or a cozy meal paired with a cold beer or crisp vinho verde.
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Pinchos, or pinchos de carne, are a beloved street food in Puerto Rico, inspired by the Spanish tradition of skewered meats but infused with vibrant Caribbean flavors. These kabobs typically feature marinated pork (pinchos de cerdo) or chicken (pinchos de pollo), cubed and grilled to perfection over an open flame or grill. The marinade often includes Adobo and Sazón seasonings, staples of Puerto Rican cuisine, which lend a savory, aromatic depth. Served with a side of bread, sauce, or simply on their own, pinchos are a quick, flavorful bite enjoyed at roadside stands, festivals, and family gatherings.
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Normandy-Style Pork Stew. This comforting dish from Normandy combines tender pork with the rich flavours of cream, cider, and apples — a true celebration of French country cooking.
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This recipe takes inspiration from my earlier twice-cooked drunken ribs but with some key differences. It uses pork short ribs instead of beef and incorporates an Asian twist with spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. For the braising liquid, I’ve swapped sweet red wine for a combination of dry red wine and port, creating a rich, complex flavour.
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This Iberian Pork and Bean Stew is a rich and hearty dish inspired by the robust flavours of both Portuguese and Spanish cuisines. Featuring tender chunks of pork, smoky chouriço, and an array of wholesome beans, it embodies the essence of the Iberian Peninsula. The combination of paprika, herbs, and slow-cooked pork brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect meal for a family gathering or a cozy night in. Whether served with nutty brown rice or on its own, this stew offers a satisfying depth of flavour that celebrates traditional Iberian cooking.
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