There’s something undeniably satisfying about the perfect pork crackling. Crisp, flavorful, and delicious, it transforms a simple pork shoulder into a feast. Inspired by James Martin’s famous recipe, I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years to suit my taste. The key lies in the preparation of the pork and the accompaniments – a tangy apple sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and a rich gravy that ties everything together beautifully.

Why You Should Try This Soup

Trying this pork crackling recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s a fantastic way to improve your cooking skills. Roasting pork to get that perfect crackling is an art. Second, it’s delicious. The crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful sides make a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s impressive. Serving this dish can wow your family and friends. It’s perfect for special occasions. Lastly, it’s about trying something new. Experimenting with different recipes keeps cooking fun and exciting. You might just find a new favorite!

James Martin Pork Crackling Recipe Overview

This recipe is a hearty and comforting meal, ideal for a Sunday lunch or a special occasion. The pork shoulder, slow-roasted to perfection, yields succulent meat with a crackling that’s just divine. It’s a symphony of flavors, accompanied by homemade apple sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and a cider-infused gravy. The total cooking time is about 4 hours, and this recipe serves around 6-8 people.

Ingredients

• 4kg shoulder of pork, boned and rolled
• Generous amounts of salt

For the Apple Sauce

• 3 Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 100ml cider
• 60g butter
• 3-5 tbsp light brown sugar
• Salt to taste

For the Mashed Potato

• 120g butter
• 1.2kg potatoes for mashing
• 120ml double cream

For the Gravy

• 250ml cider
• 350ml stock (preferably pork or chicken)
• A generous knob of butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork: Preheat your oven to its highest setting. Score the pork skin and rub it generously with salt. Place it in the roasting tray and roast for about 30 minutes until the skin starts to bubble and crisp up.
2. Reduce the Heat: Lower the oven to 150°C and cook for another 3 hours.
3. Make Apple Sauce: While the pork cooks, combine apples, sugar, butter, and cider in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until the apples are soft. Blend to a smooth consistency and season with salt.
4. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter and cream until smooth. Season to taste.
5. Make the Gravy: Pour the stock and cider into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then simmer until reduced by half. Whisk in a knob of butter for richness.
6. Rest and Serve: Once the pork is done, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Serve with the apple sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

Also Read: James Martin Leek Potato and Bacon Bake Recipe

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 950

Protein: 70g

Fat: 65g (Saturated: 25g)

Carbohydrates: 35g

Sugars: 12g

Sodium: 1.2g

FAQs

How do I ensure a perfect crackling?

For perfect pork crackling, start by scoring the skin well. Use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts. Then, rub salt generously over the skin. The salt draws out moisture, crucial for crispy crackling. Next, roast the pork at a high temperature initially, around 220°C (430°F), for about 30 minutes. This blasts the skin into crisping up. Finally, lower the heat to let the meat cook through without burning the skin. Keep it simple, and you’ll have a deliciously crispy crackling to enjoy.

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Absolutely, you can use different pork cuts for crackling. Pork belly and leg are great alternatives. They both have ample skin for crackling. Remember, each cut cooks differently. Pork belly is richer and might need less cooking time. A pork leg, being leaner, might take a bit longer. Adjust your cooking times based on the cut’s size and thickness. The key is keeping the skin dry and salted for that perfect crackle. Experiment a bit to find what works best for you. Each cut offers its unique flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for Bramley apples?

Suppose you can’t find Bramley apples, no worries. Other cooking apples can substitute well. Look for varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious. These are easily available and work great. They give a similar tartness and texture. When cooking, just watch the sugar. Some apples might be sweeter than Bramleys. Adjust the sugar in your recipe accordingly. The goal is to balance the sweetness and tartness in your apple sauce. So, feel free to experiment with different types until you find your favorite match for the dish.

Can I make the apple sauce in advance?

Yes, making apple sauce in advance is a great idea. It’s actually very convenient. Prepare it a day or two before you need it. Once it’s cooked, let it cool down. Then, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This helps the flavors blend nicely. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it gently. It saves time on the day of cooking. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about while you’re busy with the pork. Advance preparation can really make meal times more relaxed and enjoyable.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating leftovers the right way keeps them tasty. For pork with crackling, use the oven. Set it to 180°C (356°F). Spread the pork on a baking tray. Cover it with foil, but leave the crackling exposed. This keeps the meat moist and the skin crispy. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes. Check to make sure it’s warmed through. For sides like mashed potatoes or apple sauce, a microwave works well. Just stir them occasionally while reheating. This way, your leftovers still taste great and don’t lose their texture.

Conclusion

Creating this dish is always a delightful experience. The aromas of roasting pork and simmering apple sauce fill the kitchen, promising a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Give this recipe a try for your next big family dinner or festive occasion – it’s sure to impress!