Roasted Pork Neck with Potato Cabbage Salad

This Roasted Pork Neck with Potato and Cabbage Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The pork is marinated in a blend of garlic, paprika, honey, and tomato paste, creating a tender and juicy roast. Paired with a fresh potato cabbage salad, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours (optional)
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:
For the Pork Roast:

  • 1 kg pork neck
  • 1 tbsp dried garlic
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Potato Cabbage Salad:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 head of cabbage, shredded
  • 1 green apple, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp wine vinegar
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 150 ml warm milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions:

  • Marinate the Pork:
    • In a small bowl, mix dried garlic, paprika, tomato paste, honey, salt, and pepper.
    • Rub the mixture onto the pork neck. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
  • Roast the Pork:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour or until the meat is cooked through and golden brown, basting with juices occasionally.
  • Prepare the Potato Cabbage Salad:
    • Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain and set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced green apple, avocado, parsley, olive oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, and wine vinegar.
    • Add the cooked potatoes, green onions, and dill to the salad, and mix gently.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve:
    • Slice the roasted pork and serve alongside the potato cabbage salad.
    • Drizzle the salad with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a glass of dry red wine to complement the savory flavors.
  • Pair with steamed veggies like carrots or green beans for a fuller meal.
  • Add some crusty bread to soak up the pork’s juices.
  • Top the salad with a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra richness.
  • Serve with a side of homemade apple sauce for a sweet and savory contrast.

Cooking Tips:

  • Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
  • If you prefer a more tender pork roast, marinate the meat overnight.
  • For a creamier potato salad, use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
  • You can add roasted garlic to the salad for extra flavor.
  • If the pork roast is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during roasting.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Pork neck is a good source of protein and B vitamins, particularly B12.
  • Potatoes provide a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.
  • Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
  • Avocado adds heart-healthy fats and a boost of vitamins E and K.

Dietary Information:

  • Calories (per serving): Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 20g (includes healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 10g (mostly from the apple and honey)

Storage:

  • Store any leftover pork and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat the pork in the oven to retain its texture, and enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe brings together the perfect combination of rich, tender roasted pork with a fresh and tangy potato cabbage salad. The pork is juicy and full of flavor, while the salad offers a light, creamy contrast with a hint of sweetness from the apple. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Conclusion:
This Roasted Pork Neck with Potato Cabbage Salad is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy. It’s a great meal for family dinners, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something hearty. With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender pork and fresh, flavorful salad with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use a different cut of pork?
    Yes! You can use pork loin or pork shoulder, but the cooking times may vary.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can marinate the pork overnight and prepare the salad in advance, but it’s best to roast the pork fresh.
  3. How do I reheat the leftovers?
    Reheat the pork in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep it moist.
  4. Can I make the salad without mayonnaise?
    Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free option for a lighter salad.
  5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the mustard and other condiments are gluten-free.
  6. Can I use a different type of apple?
    Absolutely! Any sweet-tart apple like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp will work well.
  7. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
    You can add ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
  8. Can I use a different oil for roasting?
    Yes, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil for roasting the pork.
  9. Can I add cheese to the salad?
    Yes! Feta cheese, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar would make great additions.
  10. How can I make the salad more tangy?
    Add extra vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to give it a tangy kick.