Pork side with crackling
Melt in your mouth pork belly with a gorgeous crackling crunch.
Growing up this was one of the meals I would look forward to going to my Nanna’s on a Sunday for a family roast. Melt in your mouth juicy pork belly with the most amazing crackling. The crackling alone was all I needed and I was always guilty of eating my own in addition to anyone else’s portion - if they would surrender theirs to my cause!
True crackling comes from the pig skin, and while the sound of that might make you feel gross, it is one of life’s treats, it just tastes so good you just have to not think about what it is you are actually eating!
When we started raising our own pork this was one of the cuts I couldn’t wait to get my hands on however getting sides processed with the skin left on was not an easy task. Very few butchers have the equipment now to scald a hog where as 40 years ago it was common practise.
Whether your starting with a belly slab skin on or skin off, try this recipe out for melt in your mouth meat that will satisfy your soul… for a few moments at least!!
Roast Pork Belly (side)
Recipe.
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7-8lb slab of pasture raised pork belly.
6 bay leaves
2tbsp salt
2tbsp cilantro seeds
2tbsp fennel seeds
2tbsp black peppercorns
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The secret to no-fail crackling is to dry out the pork skin. Simply leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight will do this for you.
Pre-heat the oven to 475F
Take a utility knife ( clean blade) and score the skin in a criss cross pattern
Grind all the spices in a spice grinder and then take 2 tbsp of the mixture and massage it all over your pork.
Lay the pork on a wire rack and place inside a deep baking tray ( this will allow the fat to slowly render into the bottom of the pan while the meat cooks gently sitting above it.
Bake for 40-50mins or until the crackling is crispy
Reduce oven temp to 300F and continue to cook for another 2-4 hours. Keep checking for done-ness when the meat is soft enough to simply 'pull' off with a fork
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I would love to know if you try this recipe, drop me a comment below with your feedback and tips or suggestions that might help others!
