Slow-Roasted Pork Shank with Barbecue Sauce and Sweet Potatoes
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork shank (stinco di maiale) | 800g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Red onions | 300g |
| Barbecue sauce | 100g |
| Fresh thyme | to taste |
| Sweet potatoes (or American sweet potatoes) | 500g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Smoked paprika | to taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Pork Shank:
Begin by preparing the marinade for the pork shank. Season it with salt, black pepper, and then generously coat it with barbecue sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This step will help the flavors infuse into the meat. -
Roast the Pork Shank:
The next day, preheat your oven to 170Β°C (340Β°F) with a medium humidity setting. Transfer the marinated pork shank to a baking tray, brushing it again with a little more barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Roast the pork for about 40 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and become tender. -
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
While the pork shank is roasting, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Without peeling them, cut them in half and then into wedges. Place the wedges in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed garlic. Toss everything together, ensuring the sweet potatoes are well coated in the seasonings. -
Add the Sweet Potatoes and Onions:
After 40 minutes, remove the pork shank from the oven. Add the seasoned sweet potatoes and freshly sliced red onions to the tray. Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting for another 20 minutes, or until the pork is perfectly tender and the sweet potatoes are golden and soft. -
Serve:
Once everything is roasted to perfection, remove the tray from the oven. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the tender, juicy pork shank with the sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and onions. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.
Tips:
- For added smokiness, you can use a smoked barbecue sauce or a few extra sprinkles of smoked paprika on the vegetables.
- Make sure to check the doneness of the pork shank during the roasting process. If itβs not tender enough after 40 minutes, simply extend the roasting time by 10-minute intervals.
This easy-to-make yet delicious meal is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, combining the rich flavors of slow-roasted pork with the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes and a tangy barbecue finish. Enjoy!
