The Aussie Butcher

Hearty New Zealand Pork Recipes to Keep You Warm This Winter

Winter in New Zealand calls for hearty, comforting meals that can warm you from the inside out. These three New Zealand pork recipes are perfect for chilly evenings, bringing together the best of local ingredients and flavours. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just for yourself, these dishes are sure to become a family favourite.

Hearty Pork and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Preparation Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the pork and seal the meat until browned on all sides.
2. Remove the pork and set aside. Using the same pot for added flavour, cook the garlic and onions until softened.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans, stirring to combine.
4. Return the pork to the pot and add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then slowly reduce the temperature to low and simmer for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
5. Season to taste with some salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Slow-Cooked Pork Belly with Root Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork belly, skin scored
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 parsnips, chopped
• 2 onions, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C.
2. Season the pork belly by rubbing the scored skin with salt and pepper.
3. Place the carrots, parsnips, onions, and garlic in a large roasting pan. Lay the pork belly on top.
4. Mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl, then pour over the pork and vegetables.
5. Cover your roasting pan with foil and cook for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender and the skin is crispy.
6. Remove the foil entirely and cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes so that the skin crisps up
7. Serve warm with steamed rice.

Classic Roast Pork with Apples and Kumara

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork loin roast
• 4 apples, cored and sliced
• 3 kumara (sweet potatoes), peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Rub the pork loin well with a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a roasting pan.
3. Surround the pork with the apples and kumara. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Roast for 1.5-2 hours until the pork is cooked through and the apples and kumara are tender.
5. Let the pork rest, covered lightly in foil, for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Selecting the Best Pork Cuts for Winter Recipes

Choosing the right pork cuts is crucial for making these hearty winter recipes. Pork shoulder and belly are perfect for slow-cooking due to their higher fat content, which ensures tender and flavorful meat. Pork loin, with its leaner texture, is ideal for roasting.

Tips for Cooking Pork to Perfection

Cooking pork to perfection requires attention to detail. For the best results, cook pork at medium heat to ensure it is thoroughly cooked without drying out. Use a meat thermometer spike or skewer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 63°C for optimal safety and juiciness.

Pairing Pork Dishes with Seasonal Sides

To complement your pork dishes, pair them with seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh bok choy stir fry. These sides will add nutritional value to your meal whilst enhancing the flavours of the pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the most popular pork dish?

A1. The most popular pork dish often varies, but classic roast pork and pork belly are favourites due to their rich flavour and versatility.

Q2. What temperature is pork cooked in NZ?

A2. In New Zealand, pork is typically cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C to make sure it is safe to eat and retains its juiciness.

Q3. How to cook pork chops in NZ?

A3. To cook pork chops in New Zealand, season with salt and pepper, sear on a piping hot pan until browned, then finish in the oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 63°C.

Q4. What other ideas are there for using pork?

A4. When exploring new ideas for using pork, two popular options are sweet and sour pork, featuring tender pork with a tangy sauce and vegetables, and a pork stir fry, where pork strips are quickly cooked with fresh veggies like bok choy and broccoli in a hot wok. Pork’s versatility makes it ideal for so many recipes.

These hearty New Zealand pork recipes are perfect for warming up during the cold winter months. From stews to roasts, each recipe brings out the best in local pork, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Visit The Aussie Butcher today to get the best quality pork cuts for your winter recipes, and remember to check out our weekly specials.