Salted Pork: A Tasty Trip Through Time and How to Enjoy It Today
This week we’re taking a scrumptious journey through the world of salted pork. This age-old ingredient has a fascinating history in food culture and still holds a special place in many cuisines today. So, grab a seat, and let’s explore the story of salted pork and how you can make the most of it in your kitchen.
A Slice of Salted Pork History
Salted pork dates back to ancient times when people needed to preserve food without refrigeration. Salting the meat would draw out moisture, creating an environment where bacteria struggled to survive, thus extending the pork’s shelf life. It was a food staple for sailors and explorers on long journeys, providing them with the energy and sustenance they needed.
Throughout history, salted pork has featured in various food cultures worldwide. From the British ‘salt pork and hardtack’ during the Age of Sail to the Spanish ‘tocino’ and the Italian ‘pancetta’, salted pork has been savoured and celebrated across the globe.
Using Salted Pork in Your Kitchen
Now that we’ve delved into the history of salted pork let’s look at how you can use it to create mouth-watering dishes in your kitchen.
- Soak it first: Salted pork can be quite salty (no surprise there!), so it’s a good idea to soak it in cold water for a few hours or overnight to remove some of the salt. Be sure to change the water a couple of times to get the best results.
- Boil to tenderness: After soaking, you can boil the salted pork for about 30-45 minutes to achieve a tender texture. This also helps to remove any remaining excess salt, making it ready for cooking in your favourite dishes.
- Add flavour to stews and soups: Salted pork is a wonderful addition to stews and soups, giving them a rich, meaty flavour. Dice it into small pieces and add it to your favourite recipes, like pea soup, bean stew, or even a hearty chowder.
- Create scrumptious pasta dishes: Give your pasta dishes an extra burst of flavour by adding salted pork. Fry it up with garlic and onions, then toss it through your spaghetti, linguine, or penne for a tasty meal that’s sure to impress.
- Whip up a classic breakfast: Why not start your day with a traditional British breakfast? Fry up some salted pork with eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans for a delicious and filling way to kick off your morning.
- Make a delightful sandwich: Salted pork can be the star ingredient in a mouth-watering sandwich. Slice it thinly, layer it with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of condiments, and enjoy a delectable lunchtime treat.
- Try it in a stir-fry: For a quick and easy meal, toss salted pork into a stir-fry with your favourite veggies and a tasty sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and create a satisfying dinner in no time.
Salted pork’s rich history and versatility make it a fantastic ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen. We at Windsor Meats, voted best butcher in Vancouver multiple times always have salted pork in stock so why not give it a try and see what tasty creations you can come up with? Whether you’re adding it to a comforting soup or creating a delicious sandwich, salted pork is sure to bring a unique and appetising touch to your meals. Happy cooking!
