Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom (Croatian Pork Cracklings with Bacon)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork belly 500g (1.1 lb) pork belly
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Oil for frying Oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 35g (total), 12g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 1g (total), 0g (sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cut the pork belly into small cubes and place them in a large frying pan.
2. 2.
   Cook the pork belly over low heat until the fat renders and the meat becomes tender, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 1-2 hours.
3. 3.
   Remove the cooked pork belly from the pan and drain the excess fat.
4. 4.
   In the same pan, fry the diced bacon until crispy.
5. 5.
   In a bowl, combine the cooked pork cracklings and crispy bacon.
6. 6.
   Add paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the cracklings and bacon with the spices.
7. 7.
   Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot.
8. 8.
   Fry the cracklings and bacon in batches until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
9. 9.
   Serve the Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — Make sure to cut the pork belly into small cubes to ensure even cooking and rendering of the fat.
• Bacon — Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor and texture. Dicing the bacon into small pieces will allow it to crisp up nicely.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the cracklings. After the initial frying, let them cool for a few minutes, then fry them again until they reach the desired level of crispiness.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more paprika for a spicier kick or increase the garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Serve the Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom with a side of pickles or sauerkraut to balance out the richness of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with crusty bread, fresh vegetables, or as a topping for salads. Enjoy it warm for the best texture and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Serve it alongside the suggested side dishes and drinks for a complete Croatian culinary experience.