Potato and Smoked Pork Casserole

Potato and Smoked Pork Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the earthiness of potatoes with the rich, savory flavors of smoked pork. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful weekend meal. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes are interwoven with crispy, smoky pork and sautéed onions, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The dish is then enriched with a mixture of eggs and milk, which binds everything together as it bakes to perfection. Finished with a golden crust of breadcrumbs, this casserole offers a satisfying crunch with each bite. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and time in the kitchen. The warmth and flavorful notes make for an ideal dish on colder days. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This casserole also has the potential to be adapted with different ingredients to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes
• 150g smoked pork
• 1 small onion
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of milk
• Breadcrumbs

Spices:

• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes (prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins until they are just tender. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pork and Onion: While the potatoes are boiling, chop the smoked pork and finely dice the onion.
3. Sauté the Ingredients: In a skillet, sauté the chopped pork and onions over medium heat until the onions become translucent and the pork starts to crisp.
4. Peel and Slice Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them cool slightly. Peel and slice them into thin rounds.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by a layer of the sautéed pork and onions. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
6. Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a bowl, beat the egg and mix with the milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the Milk Mixture: Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and pork.
8. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole to create a delicious crust.
9. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the casserole for about 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
10. Check for Doneness: Insert a knife or fork into the casserole to ensure the layers are cooked through and the mixture is set.
11. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will make it easier to slice and serve.
12. Enhance the Flavor: For an added touch of flavor, consider adding some herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the milk mixture.
13. Extra Crunch: For more texture, add some grated cheese on top before adding the breadcrumbs.
14. Vegetarian Option: Replace the smoked pork with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
15. Spice it Up: Add some smoked paprika or chili flakes to give the dish a spicy zing.
16. Use Different Meats: Substitute the pork with smoked turkey or chicken for a milder taste.
17. Reduce Calories: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs to make the dish lighter.
18. Make it Creamier: Replace half of the milk with cream for a richer casserole.
19. Timing is Key: Ensure not to overbake the casserole to maintain the moisture within the layers.
20. Garnish: Serve with freshly chopped herbs like parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips

• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, but remember smoked pork can be quite salty already.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
• Make Ahead: Prepare all ingredients and assemble the casserole the night before, then bake when needed.
• Substitutions: Use sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation or add dollops of sour cream for extra richness.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 18g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace pork with smoked tofu or tempeh.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and skip the cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Salads: Pair with a green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
• Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Bread: Offer a side of crusty bread to soak up any juices.

Best Places

• Loretta's Kitchen - Known for its homestyle meals and warm atmosphere. Location: 23 Bedford Street, New York, USA.
• Le Bistrot des Amis - A cozy, laid-back spot offering delightful European flavors. Location: 74 Rue de Seine, Paris, France.
• Casa de Comidas Pepe - Famous for its traditional Spanish casseroles. Location: Plaza Mayor 10, Madrid, Spain.
• Das Kartoffelhaus - Celebrated for its potato-based specialties. Location: Schillerstraße 5, Berlin, Germany.
• Ristorante Il Forno - Offers authentic Italian comfort foods. Location: Via Roma 25, Florence, Italy.
• The British Pie Company - Specializes in hearty pies and casseroles. Location: 14 Market Ave, London, UK.
• Bite and Brew - Known for its innovative twists on classic comfort dishes. Location: Queen’s Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
• The Homestead Café - Renowned for its farm-to-table approach. Location: Route 12, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Panadería Casa Luis - A quaint spot known for its hot, filling meals. Location: Av. Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Cafe de la Terre - Offers an earthy, rustic menu with local ingredients. Location: St. Lawrence Rd, Vancouver, Canada.