Schweinebraten - German Style Roast Pork

Schweinebraten - German Style Roast Pork Recipe from Czech Republic

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 30-45 minutes | Cooking time: 2-3 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Schweinebraten - German Style Roast Pork

Schweinebraten, or German Style Roast Pork, is a classic dish that is popular in Germany and other European countries. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal.

History

Schweinebraten has been a traditional German dish for centuries, with each region having its own unique variation of the recipe. It is typically made with pork butt, seasoned with caraway, salt, and pepper, and roasted to perfection.

Ingredients

4-6 lb (2.72 kg) of pork shoulder or pork butt
2 tbsp of caraway seeds
1 tbsp of salt
2 tsp of ground pepper
2 tbsp of cooking oil
3 medium onions, roughly chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
0.5 cup of water or stock or white wine or beer
2-3 tbsp of flour
2-3 tbsp of butter

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Rub the entire roast with caraway, salt, pepper, and oil.
Set it aside and let it come to room temperature (approximately 30–45 minutes).
Mix the onions and carrots together and place them in a roasting pan that is just large enough to fit the roast comfortably.
Pour your choice of liquid into the pan.
Place the roast, fat side down, on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
Cover the pan with foil and roast it in the oven for one hour.
Remove the foil and turn the roast fat side up.
Cut diamond crosshatches in the fat and place the roast, uncovered, back in the oven.
Continue roasting for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the roast is well browned on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the center.
Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let it rest for about 20 minutes (cover it with foil to keep it warm) while you prepare the gravy.
Strain the pan juices and set aside the vegetables to serve with the roast.
Add enough water, stock, wine, or beer to the pan juices to make 2 cups.
Combine the flour and butter by kneading them together with your fingers until they form a doughy paste.
Bring the pan juices to a simmer in a saucepan.
Gradually whisk small pieces of the butter-flour paste into the pan juices until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Simmer the gravy for 5–10 minutes.
Slice the roast thinly and serve it with the gravy on the side.
To thicken the gravy without using flour and butter, puree 2 cups of the pan juices with some of the roasted vegetables and strain the mixture.
If desired, you can finish the gravy by adding a small amount of butter, cream, or sour cream.

Variations

You can add different herbs and spices to the seasoning mix, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Try using different cuts of pork, such as pork loin or pork shoulder, for a different flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the roast come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Cutting diamond crosshatches in the fat helps the roast cook evenly and allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

- Straining the pan juices and setting aside the vegetables to serve with the roast adds extra flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Schweinebraten with traditional German sides such as sauerkraut, red cabbage, and potato dumplings.

- Pair it with a cold German beer or a glass of Riesling wine.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the pork at a low temperature for a long time ensures that it is tender and juicy.

- Basting the roast with the pan juices helps to keep it moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use beef or lamb instead of pork for a different flavor.

- If you don't have caraway seeds, you can use fennel seeds or cumin as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the roast up to a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

- The gravy can also be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Schweinebraten with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color. - Serve it on a platter with the roasted vegetables and a side of gravy.

Pairing Recommendations

Schweinebraten pairs well with German-style beers, such as Oktoberfest or Hefeweizen.

- For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Schweinebraten in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Schweinebraten is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Schweinebraten is a high-protein dish that is rich in fats and calories. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Schweinebraten is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its tender and juicy pork, flavorful seasonings, and rich gravy, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this classic German dish with all the traditional sides for a truly authentic dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Schweinebraten - German Style Roast Pork. The description of the dish and the ingredients list immediately caught my attention, and I knew I had to try my hand at making it.

I had always been fascinated by German cuisine, with its hearty dishes and bold flavors. Growing up, my family didn't cook much German food, so I had never had the chance to try Schweinebraten before. But as I read through the recipe, I could almost taste the tender, juicy pork infused with the flavors of garlic, onions, and caraway seeds. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter night.

I decided to make Schweinebraten for our family dinner that Sunday. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - a large pork roast, onions, garlic, caraway seeds, and a few other herbs and spices. As I prepared the marinade and rubbed it onto the meat, a sense of excitement and anticipation washed over me. I could already imagine the savory aroma that would fill the kitchen as the pork roasted in the oven.

As the Schweinebraten cooked, I busied myself with preparing the side dishes - creamy mashed potatoes, tangy sauerkraut, and homemade applesauce. The hours seemed to drag on as I waited for the pork to reach perfection, but finally, it was time to take it out of the oven.

The moment I sliced into the meat, I knew I had created something special. The pork was tender and juicy, with a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside. The flavors were rich and complex, with hints of sweetness from the onions and a warm, earthy spice from the caraway seeds. It was a masterpiece of a meal, and my family devoured every last bite.

From that day on, Schweinebraten became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just on a whim when I was craving a taste of Germany. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences.

But the real magic of Schweinebraten wasn't just in the dish itself - it was in the memories that it created. Every time I made it, I was transported back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe. I could almost hear the laughter of my family, smell the rich aromas wafting from the kitchen, and feel the warmth of the oven as it worked its magic on the pork.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe for Schweinebraten with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of German cooking to a new generation. It became a dish that brought people together, a symbol of comfort, love, and good food. And every time I made it, I felt a deep sense of pride and joy knowing that I had learned to create something so delicious and meaningful.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a hearty, comforting meal that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds, look no further than Schweinebraten - German Style Roast Pork. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and deliciousness to countless tables around the world. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way.