This recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly simple. The key lies in a special baking technique that keeps the meat unbelievably moist and tender.
Dinnertime can be a constant battle. You want something delicious that everyone will devour, but you’re also short on time and patience after a long day. This used to be my struggle every night. Then, on a recent trip to Italy, I had a dinner that changed everything. We were staying with a local family, and they cooked this amazing pork dish that was unlike anything I’d ever tasted before. The meat was so tender, it practically fell apart with your fork, and the flavors were absolutely incredible.
I begged them to share their secret, and they were kind enough to teach me their special technique. It turns out, the secret wasn’t some fancy ingredient or complicated cooking method. It was all about a simple baking trick that keeps the pork unbelievably moist and juicy.
Since returning home, I’ve been making this recipe over and over again. My family raves about it every time, and it’s become my go-to dish for nights when I want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Now, I’m excited to share this amazing recipe with you! It’s not only incredibly flavorful, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. So ditch the takeout menus and get ready to impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal they’ll never forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Incredibly Tender Pork: The secret of this dish lies in the baking technique. By covering the dish with damp parchment paper and foil, we create a steamy environment that keeps the pork unbelievably moist and tender. You won’t believe how it practically melts in your mouth!
- Simple Yet Flavorful: This recipe uses basic ingredients but comes together to create a restaurant-worthy dish.
- Family-Friendly: This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of vegetables, spices, and cream to your liking. You can also use different cuts of pork, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork (any cut that works for baking, like shoulder or loin)
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 Onions, sliced
- Tomatoes, sliced (amount depending on your preference)
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Cabbage, chopped (amount depending on your preference)
- Heavy cream (33%) – about 200 ml
- Parchment paper (dampened)
- Aluminum foil
- 800 g Potatoes
- Vegetable oil
- Dry garlic seasoning
- Pickled cucumbers (1-2, depending on your preference)
- Garlic clove, minced
- Sour cream (3 tablespoons)
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prep the Pork: Make shallow cuts all over the pork roast. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened.
- Layer the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, spread the sauteed onions over the bottom. Top with the seasoned pork roast. Arrange the sliced tomatoes around the pork.
- Season the Cabbage: Season the chopped cabbage with salt, black pepper, and paprika to your taste. Spread the seasoned cabbage over the tomatoes in the baking dish.
- The Secret Weapon: Pour the heavy cream (about 200 ml) over the entire dish.
- Lock in the Moisture: Cover the baking dish tightly with a dampened piece of parchment paper followed by aluminum foil. This will create a steamy environment that keeps the pork incredibly moist and tender.
- Bake the Pork: Bake the covered dish in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 50 minutes.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the pork is baking, cook the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes.
- Fry for Extra Flavor: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and add dry garlic seasoning. Fry the mashed potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Quick Pickled Cucumbers (Optional): While the potatoes are frying, thinly slice the pickled cucumbers. You can use store-bought pickled cucumbers or make your own with a quick vinegar pickle recipe.
- Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- The Big Reveal: After 50 minutes of baking, remove the foil and parchment paper from the baking dish. Increase the oven temperature to broil and continue baking for a further few minutes, or until the top of the pork is golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the mashed potatoes, top with the succulent pork roast, and spoon over the creamy sauce. Garnish with the pickled cucumbers and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
