Salo, a beloved Ukrainian delicacy, is thinly sliced salted pork fat traditionally served on bread or paired with garlic. Dating back centuries, salo holds deep cultural significance in Ukrainian cuisine, often enjoyed as a symbol of hospitality and prosperity. The recipe involves curing pork fat with salt and spices, allowing it to develop its distinct flavor and texture. Salo's enduring popularity showcases its rich history and enduring appeal in both traditional and modern culinary contexts.

Ingredients:

- Pork fat (preferably from the back or belly)

- Coarse salt

Method:

1. Begin by selecting fresh, high-quality pork fat. Ensure it's clean and free from any undesirable odors.

2. Rinse the pork fat under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the pork fat into thin strips or slices.

4. Generously coat each slice of pork fat with coarse salt, ensuring all sides are covered.

5. Arrange the salted pork fat slices in a single layer in a shallow dish or container.

6. Cover the dish or container and place it in the refrigerator to cure for at least 24 hours, or up to several days for a more intense flavor.

7. Once cured, remove the salted pork fat from the refrigerator and wipe off any excess salt.

8. Thinly slice the cured pork fat and serve it on bread or alongside garlic for a traditional Ukrainian treat.

Enjoy your homemade salo!

Nutrition Value:

1. Pork Fat (per 100g):

- Calories: Approximately 900 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

- Fat: Approximately 100 g

- Sodium: Varies depending on the curing method, typically minimal without added salt

- Cholesterol: High, approximately 95 mg

- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin E

- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of iron and zinc

- Nutritional Benefit: Pork fat is a concentrated source of calories and fat, providing energy. While high in saturated fat and cholesterol, it also contains fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. Consumed in moderation, it can contribute to flavor and satiety in dishes.

2. Coarse Salt (per 1 teaspoon):

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

- Fat: 0 g

- Sodium: Approximately 2,300 mg

- Cholesterol: 0 mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Primarily sodium

- Nutritional Benefit: Coarse salt is used primarily for flavoring and preserving food. While it doesn't provide significant nutritional value in terms of vitamins or minerals, it can enhance the taste of dishes. However, excessive consumption of salt can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, so it should be used in moderation.