Tlingit-style Crispy Pork Cracklings with Bacon

Ingredients

In the Tlingit adaptation, the original Croatian dish of Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom is transformed by incorporating Tlingit flavors and cooking techniques. The addition of bacon brings a smoky element to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile. The cracklings and bacon are cooked to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of textures - crunchy cracklings and tender bacon. This adaptation embraces the essence of Tlingit cuisine while still paying homage to the original Croatian dish. We alse have the original recipe for Iločka čvarkara sa slaninom, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork fat 500g (1.1 lb) pork fat
• 200g (7 oz) bacon 200g (7 oz) bacon
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste Black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 40g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the pork fat into small cubes and place them in a large oven-safe pan.
3. 3.
   Cook the pork fat in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until it becomes crispy and golden. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. 4.
   While the pork fat is rendering, cook the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   Once the pork fat is crispy, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
6. 6.
   Season the cracklings with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Crumble the cooked bacon and mix it with the cracklings.
8. 8.
   Serve the Tlingit-style Crispy Pork Cracklings with Bacon as a snack or use it as a flavorful ingredient in other Tlingit dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork fat — Make sure to cut the pork fat into small cubes to ensure even cooking and crispy cracklings.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili powder on the cracklings before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cracklings.
• Store any leftover cracklings in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Tlingit-style Crispy Pork Cracklings with Bacon as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cracklings and bacon on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, for an appealing presentation.