RACK OF PORK ROAST RECIPES

Steps:

• In the morning before you cook the pork, use a very sharp knife (or ask the butcher) to cut a deep flap under the skin and fat of the meat, all the way along the rack – be sure to leave at least 5cm connected. Rub the powdered sea salt all over the flesh (not the skin), then leave uncovered in the fridge for at least 2 hrs. Take out of the fridge 30 mins before you want to cook it, to come to room temperature. Heat oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 9.
• Meanwhile, make the stuffing. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Add the onion, a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and the thyme leaves. Cook over a low heat, stirring, until the onion has softened, about 10 mins. Add the sourdough 2 mins before the end. Remove from the heat and transfer the mix to a bowl.
• In a dry frying pan, toast the fennel and coriander seeds and chilli flakes over a high heat for 1-2 mins. Allow to cool, then use a pestle and mortar to grind with a pinch of sea salt.
• Add the ground spices to the onion mixture and mix with the pork trim. Season again, grate in some nutmeg to taste, and add the lemon zest, parsley and wild garlic. Mix everything together with your hands to thoroughly combine, then add the egg and mix again.
• Press the stuffing into the flap in the pork and tie up with string all the way along to hold the stuffing in. Use foil to cover any exposed stuffing, as it will burn in the hot oven. Place the joint on a baking tray.
• Cook the pork for 20 mins per 450g – so 2 hrs 20 mins for a joint this size. Start it off on 240C/220C fan/gas 9 for 20 mins, then reduce the heat to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and cook for 2 hrs. Turn it halfway through to ensure it’s cooking evenly and test it 10 mins before the end with a temperature probe. When the core reads 70C, it’s cooked. Wrap the pork in foil and leave to rest while you prepare your side dishes.

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with 2 quarts water; add 1 1/2 cups salt and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat and let brine cool completely.
• Place pork in a large container and cover with brine. Transfer to refrigerator and let marinate for 45 minutes. Remove pork from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees with rack in the center. Fit a roasting pan with a rack and set aside.
• Season pork with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Place pork on rack and transfer to oven; cook until an instant-read thermometer reaches 130 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the pork, about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place cider in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced and turns into a dark golden-brown loose syrup, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add vinegar; stir to combine. Pour glaze into a small bowl and transfer to refrigerator; let cool.
• In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cumin, remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and chile powder; set spice mixture aside.
• Brush half of the glaze over pork and return to oven for 2 minutes more. Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes; brush with remaining glaze and sprinkle with spice mixture.
• Cut the pork rack into chops by cutting between each set of bones; transfer chops to a large platter. If any glaze remains, add juices from pork to glaze and stir to combine; pour over chops and serve immediately.