Braised Pork Cheeks in Traditional Sauce | Thermomix Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 90 minutes | Servings: 4-6 | Recipe Categories: Main Dish, Traditional Cuisine
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 12 g | Protein: 35 g | Sugars: 4 g | Fiber: 3 g
Introduction
Indulge your taste buds with Braised Pork Cheeks, a traditional dish that brings warmth and richness to your dinner table. Pork cheeks are wonderfully tender and flavorful, making this a fantastic recipe for gatherings or cozy family dinners. When cooked in a rich, traditional sauce, the aromas will fill your kitchen, creating a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
This recipe utilizes the Thermomix to simplify the cooking process while ensuring that all flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crusty bread to soak up that delectable sauce. Get ready to delight everyone with this hearty and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Braised Pork Cheeks:
- 2.2 lbs (1 kg) pork cheeks
- 2 onions, sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 5 oz (150 ml) red wine
- 17 oz (500 ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel the onions and garlic.
- Slice the onions and mince the garlic cloves.
- Wash and slice the carrots into round pieces.
- Remove the seeds and slice the bell peppers into thin strips.
2. Brown the Pork Cheeks:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or in the Thermomix bowl.
- Season the pork cheeks with salt and pepper, then sear them over high heat until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same oil, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Sauté for 10 minutes at 250°F (120°C), with reverse mode and spoon speed in the Thermomix until they are soft and golden.
4. Add Flour and Deglaze:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and mix well.
- Pour in the red wine and cook for 5 minutes at 212°F (100°C), speed 1 in the Thermomix to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to blend.
5. Cook the Pork Cheeks:
- Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and the browned pork cheeks back into the Thermomix.
- Set to cook for 90 minutes at 212°F (100°C), reverse mode, and spoon speed.
- Tip: For a thicker sauce, remove the pork cheeks at the end and blend the sauce for 30 seconds at speed 8.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the pork cheeks hot, generously drenched in sauce.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or homemade bread to savor every drop of the rich sauce.
Tips:
- Choose a Quality Wine: Using a good quality red wine enhances the sauce’s flavor significantly.
- Rest for Flavor: If possible, allow the pork cheeks to rest in the sauce for a few hours before serving to intensify the flavors.
- Ideal Side Dish: A smooth mashed potato is the perfect companion to complement the meat’s texture.
- Variations: Feel free to add mushrooms or a hint of paprika to customize the dish to your taste.
Dive into this easy Thermomix recipe and create a dish that will surely become a family favorite!
