Discover how to make Jareta de Cerdo, a savory and tender pork belly dish. This recipe features slow-cooked pork belly, seasoned to perfection and served with a medley of fresh vegetables. Ideal for a comforting meal, this dish combines rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the best results!

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs (900 g) pork belly, skin on

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped

- 1 red bell pepper, chopped

- 1 green bell pepper, chopped

- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

- 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine (optional)

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Prepare the Pork Belly: Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt and pepper.

Sear the Pork Belly: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly, skin side down, and sear until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes. Remove the pork belly and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the broth, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary.

Return Pork Belly to the Pot: Place the seared pork belly back into the pot on top of the vegetables.

Slow Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5-3 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork belly rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the pork belly slices with the vegetables and some of the cooking juices.

Enjoy your flavorful Jareta de Cerdo!

Nutritional Values:

Pork Belly:

 - Calories: 250

 - Protein: 17 g

 - Fat: 21 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Sodium: 65 mg

Benefits: Pork belly is a rich source of protein and essential amino acids. However, it is high in fat, particularly saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation. It provides energy and supports muscle growth and repair.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14 g (of which 2 g is saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion:

 - Calories: 44

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 10 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

 - Vitamin C: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They also support cardiovascular health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Vitamin C: 1% of the DV

Benefits: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and provide antioxidant benefits.

Carrots:

 - Calories: 25

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 6 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

 - Vitamin A: 184% of the DV

Benefits: Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health. They also provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Potatoes:

 - Calories: 110

 - Protein: 3 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 26 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

 - Vitamin C: 27% of the DV

Benefits: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and provide essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. They support energy levels and cardiovascular health.

Red and Green Bell Peppers:

 - Calories: 25

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 6 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

 - Vitamin C: 200% of the DV

Benefits: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. They also contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and various phytonutrients that help protect against chronic diseases.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth:

 - Calories: 10-20 (varies by brand)

 - Protein: 1-2 g

 - Fat: 0-1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1-2 g

 - Sodium: 700-900 mg (varies by brand)

Benefits: Broth adds flavor and moisture to dishes without adding many calories. It can also provide some vitamins and minerals, depending on the ingredients used.

White Wine (optional):

 - Calories: 50

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

 - Sodium: 0 mg

Benefits: White wine adds a depth of flavor to dishes. It contains antioxidants like resveratrol, though it should be used in moderation due to alcohol content.

Soy Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Sodium: 1000 mg

Benefits: Soy sauce adds umami flavor to dishes. It contains some protein and minerals, but should be used sparingly due to its high sodium content.

Dried Thyme and Rosemary:

 - Calories: 3

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.8 g

Benefits: Both thyme and rosemary contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They are also used for their aromatic qualities, which enhance the flavor of dishes without adding calories.

These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and nutritious meal with a variety of health benefits.