Stinco con Verdure Chiapaneco (Chiapas-style Braised Pork Shank with Vegetables)

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Stinco con Verdure, we have incorporated the flavors and ingredients of Chiapas cuisine. The original Italian dish is typically prepared with Mediterranean herbs and spices, while the Chiapas version embraces the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. The addition of local Chiapas ingredients such as chili peppers and indigenous vegetables gives this dish a unique twist, making it a true representation of the region's culinary heritage. We alse have the original recipe for Stinco con verdure, so you can check it out.

• 2 pork shanks (800g / 1.76 lbs) 2 pork shanks (800g / 1.76 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 chili peppers, finely chopped 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g) 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5g) 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5g)
• 1 cup chicken broth (240ml) 1 cup chicken broth (240ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Season the pork shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot until browned on all sides. Remove the shanks and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and chili peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano over the vegetables. Stir well to coat.
7. 7.
   Return the seared pork shanks to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. The liquid should cover about two-thirds of the shanks.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
9. 9.
   Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve the Stinco con Verdure Chiapaneco hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shanks — For the best results, choose pork shanks with a good amount of meat and a small bone-to-meat ratio. This will ensure a tender and flavorful outcome.
• Chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Smoked paprika — Look for high-quality smoked paprika to add a distinct smoky flavor to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the pork shanks in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked pork shanks from the pot and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Serve the Stinco con Verdure Chiapaneco with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh avocado salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Stinco con Verdure Chiapaneco as the centerpiece of a hearty meal. Place a pork shank on each plate and spoon the vegetables and sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the sliced vegetables around the pork shank in an artful manner. Drizzle some of the flavorful sauce over the vegetables for an appetizing touch. Serve on a large platter or individual plates for an elegant presentation.