Recipe

Pampanella alla Toscana

Savory Tuscan Pork Belly Delight

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Tuscany with this authentic recipe for Pampanella alla Toscana. This traditional Italian dish showcases the rich and tender pork belly, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, and slow-cooked to perfection.

Meat Dish› Pork Dish› Pampanella

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

3-4 hours

Total time

3 hours 20 minutes - 4 hours 20 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Low carb, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian, Nut-free, Egg-free

Ingredients

1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, skin-on 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, skin-on
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 sprigs of rosemary 2 sprigs of rosemary
4 sprigs of thyme 4 sprigs of thyme
4 sage leaves 4 sage leaves
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
Fat: 35g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
Carbohydrates: 0g (Sugars: 0g)
Protein: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
2.
Place the pork belly on a clean surface, skin-side down.
3.
Rub the minced garlic evenly over the meat.
4.
Lay the rosemary, thyme, and sage leaves on top of the garlic.
5.
Sprinkle the black pepper and salt over the herbs.
6.
Roll the pork belly tightly and tie it securely with kitchen twine.
7.
Place the rolled pork belly in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.
8.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9.
Serve the Pampanella alla Toscana warm, with the crispy skin on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pork belly — Choose a piece of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for the best flavor and texture. Score the skin before cooking to achieve a crispy crackling.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a fresh arugula salad for a complete Tuscan meal.
Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or sliced thinly and added to pasta dishes for added flavor.

Serving advice

Slice the Pampanella alla Toscana into thick pieces and serve it as the centerpiece of a hearty Italian meal. Accompany it with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Presentation advice

Arrange the slices of Pampanella alla Toscana on a platter, with the crispy skin facing upwards. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary sprigs, for an elegant touch. Serve it family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to this mouthwatering dish.