Pampanella alla Toscana

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