Are you a fan of German cuisine? Then you'll definitely love Eisbein. Eisbein, also known as “pork knuckle”, is a traditional German dish that's popular in different countries worldwide. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for any gathering, especially during the cold months.
What is Eisbein?
Eisbein is a pork dish made of the pig's lower hind leg includes the shin, which is the bone above the ankle joint or hock. The pork knuckle is usually cured by smoking or brining, giving it a distinct and savory taste, then boiled in a flavorful broth. This method produces the meat's tender texture, and the combination of flavors are combined in it, creating a mouth-watering meal.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 3-4 pork knuckles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of black peppercorn
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 liter of vegetable stock
Instructions
Follow these steps in making a perfect Eisbein:
1. Preparing the pork knuckles
Remove the pork knuckles from the packaging and rinse them under cold, running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Seasoning the pork knuckles
Season the pork knuckles with black peppercorn, salt, and chopped garlic. Set aside for an hour or refrigerate overnight. This step allows the meat to absorb the flavor of the seasoning.
3. Boiling the pork knuckles
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes. Add the pork knuckles and vegetable stock into the pot, covering the pork knuckles with enough liquid, then toss in the bay leaves. Set the heat to high until the liquid starts to boil, then simmer for 2-3 hours until the pork is tender.
4. Baking the pork knuckles
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the pork knuckles from the pot and place it inside the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the pork's surface is crispy and golden brown.
Serving suggestions
You can serve Eisbein with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preference. Some popular choices include sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings, and green beans. Don't forget to pour some of the juices from the pot over the meat to add more flavor.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make Eisbein, a traditional German dish that's flavorful, hearty, and easy to make. Impress your friends and family by creating this dish and serving it with classic German side dishes.
