Il Cucinologo
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Oven-Roasted Pork Shank with Potatoes

17/11/2023

The aroma of oven-roasted pork shank with potatoes is one of those delights that brings the family together around the table. Let’s see together how to prepare this specialty.

Ingredients

  • 2 large pork shanks
  • 800 grams of potatoes
  • Fresh rosemary
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Coarse salt
  • Black pepper
  • Light beer or meat broth (optional for deglazing)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Rinse the shanks well and pat them dry with paper towels. If desired, you can lightly score the skin in a crosshatch pattern.
  3. Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform wedges or cubes.
  4. Take a large baking dish greased with oil and place the shanks in the center. Arrange the potatoes around them.
  5. Crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and place them in the dish along with a few sprigs of rosemary.
  6. Sprinkle the pork shanks and potatoes with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  7. (Optional) You can deglaze with a splash of light beer or meat broth poured into the dish to add moisture and flavor during cooking.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the shanks are nicely golden and crispy on the outside and the potatoes are tender. If necessary, cover with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent the surface from browning too much.
  9. During cooking, baste the shanks and potatoes occasionally with the pan juices to keep them moist and flavorful.
  10. Before serving, let the meat rest for a few minutes.

Trivia

Pork shank is a typical dish of German cuisine and Central-Eastern Europe. In Italy, it is often found during holidays or special occasions, served with hearty sides such as potatoes or polenta. Slow oven cooking allows the muscle fibers of the shank to soften and become succulent, while the skin turns crispy and delicious.

I recommend enjoying this dish with a glass of full-bodied red wine, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the shank and the rustic taste of the potatoes. Buon appetito!