Using Salt Pork In Recipes

HOW TO MAKE SALT PORK

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Combine the salt and sugar. Rub the pork belly slices with some of the salt and sugar mixture.
• Spread a layer of the sugar and salt mixture on the bottom of a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel container. Place a layer of pork belly slices on top.
• Sprinkle the pork slices with a little more of the salt and sugar mixture.
• Add another layer of pork slices and then the salt-sugar mixture.
• Continue adding layers of pork belly slices, sprinkling each layer with the salt and sugar mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate. The salt pork will be cured and ready to use in two days. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a year (it is still safe to eat after this, but the flavor declines).
• To use, rinse off the salt pork slices. Pat them dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Cut into cubes or small strips.
• Cook over low heat until most of the fat is rendered out.
• Sauté a chopped onion in the rendered salt pork fat, and you're well on your way to making great chowder.
• Enjoy.

WHITE BEANS WITH SALT PORK

Steps:

• Place beans and baking soda in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let soak, overnight, at room temperature.
• If using salt pork, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt pork and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
• Cut salt pork or pancetta into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover by 1/2 inch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add rosemary and continue cooking until tender, adding more water as necessary to keep meat covered by 1/4 inch, about 30 minutes for salt pork or 10 minutes for pancetta. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Drain beans and place in a medium saucepan. Add enough fresh water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 35 minutes, skimming any impurities that rise to the surface. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, prosciutto, and parsley; cook, stirring, until onion and garlic are lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain salt pork or pancetta and add to pan, along with beans and their cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer, skimming surface as necessary. Partially cover saucepan, reduce heat and gently simmer until beans are tender and salt pork is translucent, about 20 minutes.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt; serve with bread.