Crispy Romanian Pork Cracklings

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork skin 500g (1.1 lb) pork skin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
2. 2.
   Rinse the pork skin under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   Cut the pork skin into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, combine the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the pork skin pieces and toss to coat.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Carefully add the pork skin pieces to the hot oil and fry until they become golden and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the cracklings from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Place the drained cracklings on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10 minutes to ensure maximum crispiness.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork skin — Make sure to thoroughly dry the pork skin before cutting it into pieces. This will help achieve a crispier texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some chili powder or smoked paprika over the cracklings before frying.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• To ensure maximum crispiness, make sure the pork skin is completely dry before frying.
• Use a deep frying pan or Dutch oven with high sides to prevent oil splatters.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Romanian Pork Cracklings as a snack on their own or as a topping for salads, soups, or roasted vegetables. They also make a delicious accompaniment to a glass of cold beer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cracklings on a serving platter or in a bowl, allowing their golden color and crispy texture to shine. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness.