Ingredients

For the Pork Knuckle:

• Pork knuckle: 1 piece (about 1.2-1.5 kg)
• Spring onions: 1 bunch, finely chopped
• Parsley: 1 bunch, finely chopped
• Almonds: 100g, finely chopped or crushed
• Capers: 3 tablespoons, drained and roughly chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Salt: 1 tablespoon
• Ground black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Meat seasoning: 1 tablespoon (use your favorite blend)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

For the Eggplant Salad:

• Eggplant: 1 large, sliced into rounds
• Vegetable oil: For frying
• Mayonnaise: 4 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Salt: To taste
• Ground black pepper: To taste
• Tomato: 1, thinly sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Knuckle

1. Season the Pork Knuckle:
   • Rinse the pork knuckle under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
   • In a bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, and your favorite meat seasoning.
   • Rub this mixture all over the pork knuckle, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
2. Prepare the Herb-Almond Crust:
   • In a separate bowl, combine chopped spring onions, parsley, crushed almonds, capers, and minced garlic.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Apply the Crust:
   • Gently press the herb-almond mixture onto the seasoned pork knuckle, covering it as much as possible. This will form a flavorful crust when roasted.
4. Roast the Pork Knuckle:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Place the pork knuckle on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
   • Roast for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the crust is golden and crispy. You may need to cover the knuckle with foil halfway through to prevent the crust from burning.
   • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 2: Preparing the Eggplant Salad

1. Fry the Eggplant:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil for frying.
   • Place the sliced eggplant in the hot oil and fry each side until golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
   • Season the fried eggplant slices with salt and black pepper while they are still warm.
2. Prepare the Garlic Mayonnaise:
   • In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir well to combine.
   • Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • Layer the fried eggplant slices on a serving plate.
   • Spread a thin layer of garlic mayonnaise on each slice.
   • Place thin slices of tomato on top, creating a beautiful and tasty stack.

Step 3: Serving

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Slice the roasted pork knuckle and arrange it on a large platter. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
   • Serve the eggplant salad alongside the pork knuckle as a side dish.
   • Offer additional garlic mayonnaise on the side for dipping.
2. Enjoy!
   • Serve immediately, while the pork is still warm and the eggplant salad is fresh. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities.)

• Calories: 680 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans if you prefer. Each type of nut will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the crust.

2. What is the best way to cook the pork knuckle?
Roasting is the best method for this recipe as it helps render the fat, making the skin crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Slow-cooking is another option if you want extremely tender meat, but you won’t get the crispy crust.

3. Can I make the eggplant salad ahead of time?
The eggplant slices can be fried in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just layer with the garlic mayonnaise and tomatoes.

4. Can I use other vegetables in the salad?
Yes! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even cucumbers to the salad for more variety. Just make sure to slice them thinly for easy layering.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pork Knuckle and Eggplant Salad

1. Ensure Even Roasting:
   Place the pork knuckle on a rack in your roasting tray. This ensures even heat distribution, which helps cook the meat thoroughly and crisps up the crust.
2. Adjust the Spice Level:
   Feel free to add chili flakes or other spices to the herb-almond mixture for an extra kick.
3. Prevent the Eggplant from Absorbing Too Much Oil:
   Sprinkle the eggplant slices with a bit of salt and let them sit for 15 minutes before frying. This helps draw out moisture, reducing the amount of oil they absorb.
4. Rest the Meat After Roasting:
   Allow the roasted pork knuckle to rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender.

Storage Tips

1. For the Pork Knuckle:
   • Refrigerate any leftover pork knuckle in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
   • Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to preserve the crispy crust.
2. For the Eggplant Salad:
   • Refrigerate the prepared salad for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify, so it’s best to eat it fresh.
   • Keep the mayonnaise separate if you plan on storing the eggplant to prevent it from getting soggy.

Conclusion

This roasted pork knuckle with herb-almond crust and eggplant salad is a fantastic way to bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table. The combination of the crispy, savory pork with the refreshing, creamy eggplant salad is sure to be a hit. While it may seem like a restaurant-quality dish, it is surprisingly easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can prepare a meal that impresses family and friends. So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, delicious dish to serve at a special occasion or Sunday dinner, give this recipe a try. You’ll love how simple yet flavorful it is, and your guests will be asking for seconds!