Pork Knuckles with Beer and Honey Glaze

This delicious and hearty dish features tender pork knuckles simmered and then roasted to perfection with a flavorful beer and honey glaze. The combination of tender meat and a crispy, caramelized crust makes this dish a memorable meal for anyone who loves robust and savory flavors. The pork knuckles are first boiled with aromatic vegetables and spices, infusing them with a rich taste. Meanwhile, a glaze of beer, honey, and a medley of spices is prepared, adding a final layer of complex flavor during roasting. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. The aroma alone will make your mouth water, but the taste will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pork knuckles
  • Water
  • 3 onions
  • 3 carrots
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Spices for Boiling:

  • 2 tbsp caraway seeds
  • 2 bay leaves

Beer and Honey Glaze:

  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 2 tsp marjoram
  • 100 g beer
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Preparation Time

Total Time: 200 minutes (Preparation: 40 minutes, Cooking: 160 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

  1. Place the pork knuckles in a large pot filled with boiling water. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  2. Add whole, cross-scored onions with skins, carrots, a piece of celery root, garlic, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer the pork knuckles on low heat for approximately two hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by blending all the spices together and then mixing in the liquid ingredients to form a smooth mixture.
  5. When the pork knuckles are tender, remove them from the pot and place them on a baking tray greased with vegetable oil.
  6. Score the skin of the pork knuckles shallowly in a criss-cross pattern and brush with the prepared beer and honey glaze.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze as the skin begins to brown.
  9. Repeat the glazing step four times to ensure a crisp and flavorful crust.
  10. For the final touch, switch the oven to grill mode to achieve a perfectly caramelized and crispy skin.

Tips

  • **For extra flavor**, marinate the pork knuckles in the glaze overnight.
  • If you prefer a spicier glaze, add chili flakes to taste.
  • **Use a meat thermometer** to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 75°C.

Variations

  • For a **sweeter dish**, increase the honey to taste.
  • Substitute chicken for pork if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Use non-alcoholic beer for an alcohol-free version.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
  • Serve with a side of sauerkraut or a fresh green salad.

Best Places

  • The Pork House - Known for its exceptional pork dishes. Location: 123 Gourmet St, Vienna, Austria.
  • Bierhaus Porkery - Offers unique flavors with authentic beers. Location: 78 Bratwurst Blvd, Munich, Germany.
  • Knuckle's Delight - A must-visit for pork lovers. Location: 42 Delicious Rd, Prague, Czech Republic.
  • Rustic Roast - Cozy atmosphere and hearty meals. Location: 99 Autumn Ln, Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Porcine Perfection - Specializing in pork delicacies. Location: 157 Savory Sq, Budapest, Hungary.
  • The Glazed Boar - Known for their savory glazes. Location: 300 Flavor Ave, Krakow, Poland.
  • Bavarian Bites - Traditional Bavarian pork knuckles. Location: 56 Beer Garten, Dortmund, Germany.
  • Golden Hog - Fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Location: 10 Culinary Ct, Warsaw, Poland.
  • Meaty Moments - Offers a wide variety of pork dishes. Location: 89 Tenderloin St, Oslo, Norway.
  • Crackling Cuisine - Famous for crispy pork skin. Location: 67 Sizzle Dr, Helsinki, Finland.

**Enjoy your meal!**