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September 26, 2008
Miso-and Orange-Roasted Pork Belly
So Nathan's birthday was last week, and I shamelessly used it as an excuse to buy Jennifer McLagan's Fat book. It's really sort of the greatest thing ever, and we decided that we should cook everything in it.
I came home last night with a nice big slab of pork belly and got to work.
The fat on the top of the belly was scored, then I made and applied to it a paste of red miso, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and orange zest. The belly got a blast of heat in a hot oven, then roasted it slowly.
It was almost brainlessly easy, and totally delicious. I served it with mashed potates and some steamed bok choi. I'd thought about making rice, but was glad I hadn't, as the pan sauce made the most kickass gravy for the potatoes. The clean, bitter bok choi was a perfect foil to the sweet, unctuous pork and its crispy, fragrant crust.
Taking the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" path to food and wine pairing, we had a 2007 "Jean Baptiste" Gunderloch Riesling Kabinett recommended by one of my peeps at the Oxbow Wine Merchant. It was sweet but nicely acidic, and the fruit flavors were lovely with the orangey pork belly.
Afterward, we passed out on the couch in a porky stupor.
Comments
That was one fabulous dinner. A very auspicious beginning to cooking through this book. I'll actually have to do some of the work next time, though. My only contribution last night was to serve as photographer, bartender, dishwasher and adoring fanboy.
Posted by: Nathan at September 26, 2008 6:14 PM
Those are *very* important jobs, my dear, especially the bartending.
Posted by: Kate at September 26, 2008 6:19 PM
Thanks, honey. I guess I did contribute after all . . .
Posted by: Nathan at September 26, 2008 6:55 PM
Want to come to your house for dinner. Will bring cinnamon pear muffins. :)
Posted by: Margar at September 26, 2008 7:25 PM
The power of Pork compels you.
Posted by: Bob at September 28, 2008 12:33 PM
OMG, that pork looks amazing! I'm getting hungry just thinking about this fabulous meal you made!
Posted by: madalyn at September 29, 2008 1:04 PM
Happy Birthday to Nathan! AND DAMN GIRL - that looks so tastey!
Posted by: Teknobear at October 21, 2008 11:36 AM