HOW TO PREPARE PORCO PRETO.

Porco Preto, or Black Iberian Pig, is renowned for its high-quality meat due to the unique rearing and feeding habits of the pig. The pig, which mainly roams in Spain and Portugal, often feeds on acorns, resulting in a rich, nutty flavor to the meat. While there are various dishes made with Porco Preto, one of the most popular is “Presunto”, a type of dry-cured ham similar to Spanish Jamón Ibérico.

If you’re looking to prepare a dish with Porco Preto, here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Grilled Porco Preto Pork Chops

Ingredients:

Porco Preto pork chops
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:

Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a good drizzle of olive oil. This will create a paste-like consistency.

Prep the Pork Chops: Clean the pork chops and pat them dry using paper towels.

Apply the Marinade: Rub the pork chops generously with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.

Rest: Allow the pork chops to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, but preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Grilling: When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the pork chops on the grill. Cook each side for about 4-6 minutes (depending on the thickness), or until they develop a nice char and are cooked through.

Rest Again: Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat.

Serve: Serve the grilled pork chops with lemon wedges on the side.

Remember, Porco Preto has a distinct, rich flavor, so the key is to keep the preparation simple and let the quality of the meat shine through. Enjoy your meal!