Roasted Pork with Crispy Crackling

Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) pork belly or loin roast 2 kg (4.4 lbs) pork belly or loin roast
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds 2 tablespoons fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 0g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Score the skin of the pork roast with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern.
3. 3.
   In a mortar and pestle, crush the fennel seeds until slightly coarse.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, combine the crushed fennel seeds, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. 5.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring it gets into the scored skin.
6. 6.
   Place the pork on a rack in a roasting pan, with the skin side up.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the vegetable oil over the skin and rub it in.
8. 8.
   Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the crackling to start forming.
9. 9.
   Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and continue roasting for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F).
10. 10.
    Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
11. 11.
    Slice the pork into thick slices and serve with the crispy crackling on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly or loin roast — Choose a cut with a good balance of meat and fat for optimal flavor and texture. Ask your butcher for assistance in selecting the right cut and ensure it is fresh.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crackling, after scoring the skin, pour boiling water over it and pat it dry before applying the spice rub.
• Letting the pork rest after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
• Serve the Roasted Pork with traditional Danish accompaniments such as caramelized potatoes, red cabbage, and pickled cucumbers for an authentic experience.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the spice rub.
• Leftover Roasted Pork can be used in sandwiches or salads for a delicious next-day meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Pork with Crispy Crackling as the centerpiece of a festive meal. Slice it into thick pieces, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of the crispy crackling. Accompany it with traditional Danish sides and enjoy the succulent meat and irresistible crunch.

Presentation advice

Present the Roasted Pork on a large platter, showcasing the golden crackling on top. Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it alongside the traditional sides, creating an inviting and visually appealing spread.