Nigella Pork And Prune Casserole

Nigella Pork And Prune Casserole

Dive into the savory world of the Nigella Pork and Prune Casserole, a dish that marries the succulence of pork with the sweetness of prunes in a delightful harmony. This recipe, inspired by Nigella Lawson's creative cooking, promises a culinary adventure that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Brief Description of the Recipe

The Nigella Pork and Prune Casserole is a testament to the rich, deep flavors that can be achieved by combining meat with fruit. The dish involves slow-cooking pork shoulder with prunes, olives, and capers, resulting in a tender, flavorful casserole that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Cultural or Historical Context

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional cooking methods that pair meat with fruit to create a balanced fusion of flavors. It's reminiscent of classic dishes that showcase the depth and complexity achievable through slow cooking.

Ingredients List

  • Pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks (approx. 1.7kg)
  • Olive oil (3 tbsp)
  • Smoked bacon lardons (160g pack)
  • Shallots, peeled and halved (250g)
  • Leeks, thickly sliced (500g)
  • Garlic cloves, finely sliced (4)
  • Plain flour (3 tbsp) - substitute with gluten-free flour if necessary
  • Dry fino sherry (250ml)
  • Chicken stock, gluten-free if required (500ml)
  • Pitted prunes (200g)
  • Chopped tarragon, plus extra for serving (1½ tbsp or 1½ tsp dried)
  • Wholegrain mustard (1 tbsp)
  • Crème fraîche (4 tbsp)

Preparation Instructions

  1. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your ingredients, including trimming and chunking the pork shoulder, and prepping vegetables.
  2. Brown the pork shoulder in olive oil, then set aside. In the same pan, cook the bacon lardons, followed by the shallots, leeks, and garlic.
  3. Stir in flour, then gradually add the sherry and chicken stock to create a rich sauce. Incorporate the prunes, mustard, and tarragon before combining everything in a casserole dish.
  4. The dish is then slow-cooked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole can be chilled for up to three days or frozen in portions. To reheat, defrost thoroughly and warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this casserole provides a hearty balance of nutrients, including approximately 600 calories, 26g of fat, 21g of carbohydrates, and a generous 55g of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I substitute the sherry? Yes, a good quality broth or a non-alcoholic wine can be used as a substitute.
  • Is this recipe gluten-free? By using gluten-free flour and stock, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.
  • Can I use a different cut of pork? Pork shoulder is recommended for its flavor and tenderness in slow cooking, but other cuts like pork leg can be used with adjusted cooking times.

This delightful Nigella Pork and Prune Casserole recipe, while inspired by the culinary expertise of Nigella Lawson, is a testament to the timeless appeal of combining meat with fruit for a dish that's both comforting and complex. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, this casserole promises to bring warmth and flavor to your table​​​​.

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