This mouthwatering Beer-Braised Pork Belly is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, complemented by creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a comforting weekend meal or a special family dinner, the pork belly is browned to perfection and then slowly simmered in beer with aromatic herbs and spices. The mashed potatoes are made with milk, butter, and fresh dill to create a rich and smooth side dish that pairs beautifully with the hearty pork belly. The beer adds depth and a subtle bitterness to the dish, which balances the richness of the meat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pork Belly:

• 1.5 kg pork belly
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
• 3 onions, chopped
• 5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 300-400 ml beer (your choice of light or dark beer)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 150-200 ml milk
• 50 g butter
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Pork Belly

1. Season the Meat:
   • Take the 1.5 kg pork belly and season it generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the Pork:
   • Place the pork belly in the hot oil and brown it on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes per side. The goal is to create a crispy, golden-brown exterior for extra flavor.
4. Remove the Pork:
   • Once browned, remove the pork belly from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Simmer the Pork Belly

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   • In the same pan, add the chopped onions and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Scrape up any brown bits from the pork to add extra flavor to the onions.
2. Add the Seasonings:
   • Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika to the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine the flavors.
3. Return the Pork Belly to the Pan:
   • Place the browned pork belly back into the pan, on top of the sautéed onions and garlic.
4. Pour in the Beer:
   • Pour 300-400 ml of beer over the pork belly. The beer should come about halfway up the sides of the pork belly. If necessary, add more beer or water to reach this level.
5. Simmer the Pork:
   • Cover the pan and lower the heat to a simmer. Let the pork belly cook gently for 45-60 minutes, until the meat is tender and infused with the beer and herbs. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, and add more beer or water if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes:
   • While the pork belly is simmering, peel and chop the potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 150-200 ml of milk and 50 g of butter. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Season the Potatoes:
   • Season the mashed potatoes with salt to taste. Stir in freshly chopped dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Serve the Pork Belly and Mashed Potatoes

1. Check the Pork Belly:
   • After 45-60 minutes of simmering, the pork belly should be tender and infused with rich flavors. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the pork and let the sauce reduce for a few minutes to thicken.
2. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the tender beer-braised pork belly with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes on the side. Spoon some of the flavorful beer and onion sauce over the pork belly for extra richness.
3. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Beer Choice: For a more robust flavor, you can use dark beer like stout or porter. If you prefer a lighter taste, use a pale ale or lager. The beer will add depth to the dish, but the flavor will mellow as it simmers.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. In fact, the flavors intensify if left to rest overnight, making it an excellent meal prep option for special occasions.
• Crispy Pork Option: If you want extra crispy pork belly, you can finish it in a preheated oven (220°C / 425°F) for 10-15 minutes after braising to achieve a crispy top layer.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pork belly and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: The pork belly can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze the pork belly in its sauce in an airtight container. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use another type of meat?
   • Yes! You can substitute pork belly with beef brisket or chicken thighs. However, the cooking time will vary depending on the meat.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
   • Besides mashed potatoes, you can serve this pork belly with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
3. Can I use a different type of beer?
   • Definitely! A lighter beer will add a milder flavor, while a darker beer will bring out a richer, more robust taste. You can experiment with different types based on your preference.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
   • If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also stir in a small amount of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.

Conclusion: This Beer-Braised Pork Belly with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. The slow-cooked pork belly becomes incredibly tender, while the beer adds a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh dill, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with just the right amount of richness. It’s a hearty, delicious meal that will leave you and your guests satisfied!