Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria is celebrated for its scenic landscapes and rich culinary heritage. Among the many delights that Umbrian cuisine has to offer, few dishes capture the essence of tradition and flavor quite like crispy roast pork belly. This dish, known locally as “porchetta,” combines the savory, unctuous qualities of pork with fragrant herbs and spices, making it a musttry for food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. In this article, we’ll guide you through the art of creating this mouthwatering dish, ensuring that your family and friends will be clamoring for seconds.
Ingredients:
To craft your very own crispy roast pork belly, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Pork Belly: 56 pounds, skinon
Salt: 2 tablespoons
Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon
Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Fresh Sage: 2 tablespoons, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Fennel Seeds: 1 teaspoon
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
White Wine (optional): 1 cup
Tools:
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil
StepbyStep Tutorial:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Belly
Begin by prepping the pork belly. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Using a sharp knife, score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat beneath. This step is crucial, as it allows the fat to render out during cooking, creating that coveted crispy texture.
Step 2: Create the Seasoning
In a mixing bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, chopped sage, minced garlic, fennel seeds, olive oil, and lemon zest. This fragrant mixture will serve as the rub for your pork belly.
Step 3: Marinate the Pork Belly
Rub the seasoning mixture generously over the meat side of the pork belly, ensuring an even coat. Flip it over and rub the skin with a bit of olive oil and additional salt. For maximum flavor, cover the seasoned pork belly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight, if possible. This marinating time allows all the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving a crispy skin.
Step 5: Roast the Pork Belly
Place the marinated pork belly, skin side up, in a roasting pan. If using white wine, pour it into the bottom of the roasting pan to infuse moisture and flavor into the pork as it cooks. Roast for about 30 minutes at the high temperature, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for another 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 1520 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice the pork belly into thick pieces, showcasing the beautiful layers of meat and crispy skin.
Final Thoughts
Crispy roast pork belly is a dish that epitomizes Umbrian cuisine—a celebration of robust flavors and simple, highquality ingredients. Serve it alongside rustic bread, roasted vegetables, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal. As you gather around the table, share stories of Umbrian traditions and savor every bite of your homemade porchetta.
Whether you’re preparing a special family dinner or looking to impress at a social gathering, this crispy roast pork belly will surely leave everyone raving—and wanting seconds. Buon Appetito!