German Pork Knuckle
The German pork knuckle is a traditional German dish that has its origins in the Bavarian region of Germany. The dish consists of a pork knuckle or hock that is roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and flavorful. Pork knuckle has been a popular dish in Germany for centuries, particularly in beer gardens and traditional German restaurants. It is often served with sauerkraut, boiled potatoes (Knodel), and mustard. The tradition of serving pork knuckle likely dates back to times when pork was a staple food in Germany due to the abundance of pigs raised for meat. Roasting the pork knuckle was a way to make use of the entire animal and create a hearty and delicious meal. Today, pork knuckle remains a beloved dish in German cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It has also gained popularity in other countries as part of the wider appreciation for German cuisine and traditional dishes.
Ingredients
4 pork knuckles (about 1 kg each)
2 onions, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
4 cloves of garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
Sea salt, to taste
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
500 ml of water
500 ml of beer (such as a dark lager)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large pot, combine the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water. Add the pork knuckles to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
Remove the pork knuckles from the pot and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them with sea salt.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Brown the pork knuckles on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Pour the beer into the pan with the pork knuckles. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Roast the pork knuckles in the oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
Serve the German pork knuckles hot with mustard on the side, along with sauerkraut and potato dumplings or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your delicious German pork knuckle! Guten Appetit!
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German Pork Knuckle