Ingredients

For the Pork (Jellied Pork):

• Pork (shoulder cut): 800 g (about 1.75 lbs)
• Clarified butter: 1-2 tsp (for sautéing)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Sugar: a pinch (to caramelize the onion)
• Black pepper: to taste
• Paprika: to taste
• Salt: to taste
• Bay leaf: 1 piece
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (for thickening)
• Water: 500 ml (about 2 cups)

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

• Potatoes: 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lbs), peeled and cut into chunks
• Bay leaf: 1 piece
• Milk: 300-400 ml (1 ¼ – 1 ¾ cups), warm
• Butter: 50-60 g (about 2 oz)
• Salt: to taste

Steps to Make Jellied Pork with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Pork (Jellied Pork)

1. Cut and Season the Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into medium-sized chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides.
2. Sauté the Pork: In a large pan or pot, heat 1-2 teaspoons of clarified butter over medium heat. Sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onion: In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Add a pinch of sugar to help with caramelization. Sauté until the onion turns soft and golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release its rich flavors.
5. Add Water and Bay Leaf: Pour in 500 ml of water and add the bay leaf. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Pork: Return the pork to the pan, lower the heat to a simmer, and cover. Let it cook gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir this into the pork mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and paprika if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and toss in 1 bay leaf. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the Potatoes: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and remove the bay leaf.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add Milk and Butter: Gradually add the warm milk and butter to the mashed potatoes. Continue mashing and stirring until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
5. Keep Warm: Cover the mashed potatoes and keep them warm until ready to serve with the pork.

Step 3: Serve

To serve, place a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate, then top with the jellied pork and its thick, savory sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Protein: 35-40 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
• Fiber: 6-8 g
• Sodium: 800-900 mg

This dish is a well-rounded meal, providing ample protein from the pork and essential carbohydrates from the potatoes. The clarified butter and milk add richness and fat, making this meal both filling and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with pork loin, beef, or even chicken thighs. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat you choose.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The pork can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pan before serving. The mashed potatoes are best made fresh, but you can also reheat them with a little extra milk and butter.

3. What can I serve with this dish besides mashed potatoes?

While mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, you can also serve the pork with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter alternative for the mashed potatoes and replace the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork in a pan over low heat and reheat the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk.

Tips for Making the Best Jellied Pork with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

1. Slow Cook the Pork: Cooking the pork slowly allows it to become tender and soak up all the flavors of the spices and onions. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
2. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground black pepper and good-quality paprika will enhance the flavor of both the pork and potatoes.
3. Mash the Potatoes Thoroughly: For the smoothest mashed potatoes, use a potato masher or ricer and mash while the potatoes are still hot.
4. Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce for the pork becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or stock. If it’s too thin, add more cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your liking.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pork reheats well on the stove, and the mashed potatoes can be refreshed with a little milk or butter.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pork for up to 2 months. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat the pork on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the mashed potatoes, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore their creamy texture.

Conclusion

Jellied Pork with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. The tender pork, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and caramelized onions, pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold evening or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe is a great choice. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, wholesome meal on the table that everyone will enjoy.