- 2 x halves of a pig’s head, soaked in cold water overnight
- 2kg piece of pork belly (on the bone)
- 4 pig’s trotters
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 6 carrots, peeled, topped and tailed
- 4 onions, peeled and halved
- 6 sticks of celery, washed
- 2 leek, split and washed
- 1 generous sprig of thyme
- 5 Santa Maria bay leaves
- 5 cloves
- 8 tbsp Santa Maria dried oregano
- Wholegrain mustard to taste
- Fresh ground Santa Maria Tellicherry black pepper to taste
- Pane
- Flour
- Egg
- Sosa pork airbag farina
- Apple puree
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cups apples (preferably Golden Delicious)
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Garnish
- Picked watercress
- Sliced Granny Smith apples
Crispy pork bonbon, apple purée and watercress salad
With a selection of delicious pork cuts available, cooking methods and flavour pairings are exceptionally varied when it comes to pork recipes. Take a look at the Crispy pork bonbon, apple purée and watercress salad recipe below, as tried and tested by professional chefs - Why not give it a try?
Ingredients
Method
For the pork:
• Scorch the hairs off the pig’s head and trotters with a blowtorch (or shave using a disposable razor)
• Place all of the meat in a pan large enough to accommodate it and the vegetables easily
• Cover with cold water and bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes – discard the water then cover again with fresh cold water and bring to a simmer
• Cook for about 20 minutes, skimming off any impurities regularly – add the vegetables, herbs, spices and vinegar
• Simmer very gently, skimming occasionally, until the meat is completely tender and falling from the bone (about ¾ hours) – top up with hot water as needed
• When the meat is cooked, transfer to a large tray and allow to cool slightly
• Strain the cooking liquid into a wide pan and boil to reduce – reduce to a sticky consistency (it should set to a firm jelly in the fridge within about 5 minutes)
• While the liquid is reducing, pick through the meat – carefully remove all the bone and gristle whilst preserving as much of the meat and skin as possible
• Shred through the meat with a large chopping knife (the texture should be relatively coarse)
• Season the meat with sea salt and Tellicherry black pepper, then add the oregano, mustard and enough of the reduced jelly to produce a porridge-like consistency
• Select a suitably-sized terrine dish or tray and line it with cling film – pour in the pork mixture and spread as evenly as possible
• Refrigerate the terrine overnight
• Portion into 15g, squeeze them into balls
• Pane the pig head with flour, egg and airbag
• Do not refrigerate, cook when needed
For the apple puree:
• Peel and dice the apples
• Sweat the apples with the butter for 4-5 minutes
• Add the white wine and reduce by half
• When apples are cooked add to blender and blitz until smooth
• Once pureed, pass and season then set aside
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