Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork Shanks (8 pieces, about 2 pounds)
- Salt (1 tablespoon)
- Black Pepper (1 teaspoon, freshly ground)
- Garlic Cloves (5-6, crushed)
- Fresh Rosemary (2 sprigs)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
- Low-sodium Chicken Stock or Water (2 cups)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 2-3 hours (low and slow is the key)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty, requires patience for slow cooking)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Season the pork shanks with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Rub the shanks with olive oil and place them in a baking dish or roasting pan.
- Add the rosemary sprigs and pour the chicken stock or water around the shanks.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the shanks are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bone.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your choice of side dish, such as roasted potatoes or a vegetable puree.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 people)
Calories: Approximately 600-700 per shank (depending on the size and fat content of the pork shanks)
Fat: Moderate to high depending on the quality of pork used
Carbohydrates: Low (only from natural sugars in the pork and any added seasoning)
Protein: High due to the pork meat.
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful, with a fall-off-the-bone texture when cooked properly.
- The dish showcases the pork's natural flavors enhanced by slow roasting and simple seasoning.
- A hearty dish that pairs well with colder weather and provides a comforting meal for a special occasion or family gathering.
User Comments:
- "The pork shanks were so tender and juicy! The flavor was amazing."
- "I love how simple yet flavorful this dish is. It's perfect for a cold winter night."
- "I cooked these for my family on Christmas Eve and they were a hit! The slow cooking made all the difference."
- "The dish was delicious but took longer than expected to cook through." (Note: Ensure to plan ahead for slow cooking time.)
- "Great dish for a special occasion. The meat was so tender it fell off the bone."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to buy fresh pork shanks from a reliable source to ensure quality and safety.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- This dish requires low and slow cooking, so plan ahead as it can take several hours to complete.
- If you prefer a more crispy exterior, you can remove the foil cover during the last hour of cooking to allow the shanks to brown further.
