Tender slow-cooked pork neck braised until juicy and flavourful. This comforting oven dish is perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or shredded into sandwiches.
1tablespoondried herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage
2clovesgarlic
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonground black pepper
2tbspolive oil
Gravy
2dlbroth
2tbspbutter
1tspwheat flour
1teaspoonsugar
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Instructions
Take the meat to room temperature one hour before cooking. Trim off any excess fat and with a sharp knife.
Turn oven on and set it to 125C degrees. Heat a cast iron pan to hot. Place the kassler in the pan. Fry the meat to a nice colour all over. Season with salt and pepper.
Choose an baking dish. A loaf pan is really good for this. The pan should be about the size of the meat. Place the baked kassler in it, rinse the pan with wine and pour the wine into the dish.
Peel and chop the onion into dish as well, along with a generous amount of herbs. Crush the garlic cloves with the palm of your hand and add them into the dish.
The idea is that the pork neck should be almost covered in the stock. The amount of liquid will increase as it simmers, so it's not a good idea to fill it to the top. Drizzle olive oil over the meat and cover with foil to prevent the meat drying out.
Simmer the dish for 5-6 hours. You can turn the meat every now and then to check that there is enough liquid. The instant version can be done at 150°C for about 3-4 hours but remember; low heat - better result.
Carefully lift the pork (overcooked meat is really tender) into a foil wrap to settle.
Gravy
Strain the broth into the sauce pot and season. Bring it to a boil over high heat and whisk it until a 1 deciliter of liquid remains.
Meanwhile, mix the butter and flour together with a fork. Mix into the sauce when the reduction is complete. Taste the sauce. There should be salt and pepper. Also there should be little sweetness.
Cut the pork neck into six pieces and place them on serving plates. Spoon the sauce over the top.
Notes
Pork neck can be cooked either covered or uncovered. Cooking covered keeps the meat extra juicy, while finishing uncovered helps develop a deeper roasted flavour.
If the cooking liquid reduces too much during slow cooking, simply add a small splash of water, stock, or apple juice.
For a richer sauce, strain the cooking liquid after roasting and reduce it briefly in a saucepan. You can also whisk in a knob of butter for shine and flavour.
Leftover slow-cooked pork neck is excellent when shredded and used in sandwiches, wraps, or warm salads.
In Nordic and German markets, a similar cut or preparation may be sold as kassler, which is usually cured or lightly smoked.