HERB-ROASTED PORK IN MILK WITH CRACKLING

Herb-roasted pork in milk with crackling image

Try our take on milk-braised pork, or 'maiale al latte' - the best way we know of keeping lean pork succulent. Use the meat juices in this Tuscan-inspired recipe to make a rich gravy

Provided by Barney Desmazery

Categories Dinner

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1.25kg pork loin, de-boned, skin removed (reserve if making crackling, below) and tied
2 garlic cloves crushed
3 bay leaves, crushed if dry, torn if fresh
small handful of rosemary sprigs
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
150ml white wine
2 tbsp olive oil
750ml whole milk
reserved pork skin
1 tsp fennel seeds
pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

Steps:

If you have time, prepare the pork the night before or at least 1-2 hrs ahead. Season the pork loin with salt, then put in a large bowl with the garlic, herbs, vinegar and wine, turning to coat. Leave to marinate in the fridge overnight or for 1-2 hrs at room temperature. If making the crackling, season the pork skin with salt on both sides, then sprinkle with the fennel seeds and chilli flakes, if using. Chill on a baking tray overnight or up to 24 hrs.
Heat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl and brush off any herbs. Pat dry with kitchen paper. Heat the oil in a flameproof roasting tin or casserole and brown the pork well on all sides for 15-20 mins, using tongs to hold it up and brown the ends. Pour over the leftover marinade, transfer to the oven and roast for 15 mins. If you're making the crackling, cook the skin on its baking tray, fatty-side down, on another shelf.
After 15 mins, pour the milk over the pork and roast for another hour, basting it with the milk every 20 mins. The milk will look curdled, but don't worry - this is how it should look. After an hour, check that the pork is firm by pressing a finger into the thickest part. If it's not, baste and roast for 10 mins more. Remove to a board and leave to rest. Check the crackling to see if it's crisping up, and increase the oven if needed.
Put the roasting tin over a low heat and simmer the milk, whisking to break up any curds, then strain through a sieve into a small pan. Tip in any resting juices from the pork and warm through to make a thin, milky gravy. By now, the crackling should be golden and crisp. Carve the pork and serve in slices with the gravy and crackling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 467 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 11 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 7 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Protein 40 grams protein, Sodium 0.4 milligram of sodium