A hidden secret of Spanish cuisine – slow-cooked pork cheeks is full of flavours and made to melt in your tongue, literally. It's traditionally called Carrilladas and comes with chunks of meat that is smothered with a dark and rich sauce. The meat is so tender that it falls apart when you touch it with a fork and the taste is exceptionally delicious!

Pork Cheek

Shopping List

3 lbs pork cheeks

2 medium carrots, peeled

1 medium onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 cups dry red wine

1 tbsp chopped thyme

1 cup canned tomatoes

1 tbsp oil

Spicentice Peppery Rub

Preparing the Pork Cheeks

1.    Ask for your butcher to give you pork cheeks and make sure that it is dry. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Prepare a skillet and heat the oil over medium heat.

2.    Add the pork cheeks to the pan and cook until the whole surface turns brown on both sides. It would take at least 4 minutes per side. You can flip it once or twice but make sure to avoid disturbing the browning process.

3.    Remove the cheeks with a tong and set it aside.

Cooking

1.    Preheat the oven to 300 Fahrenheit and add carrots, onions, and celery to a pot. Saute until softened which will take about 5 minutes. Add the tomato, wine, Spicentice Peppery Rub and Seasoning and the chopped thyme. Bring it to a simmer and then add the pork cheeks.

2.    Stir to coat the meat evenly with sauce.

3.    Cover the pan and transfer it to the oven.

4.    Braise the meat until it is tender. It should take about 2.5 to 3 hours.

5.    Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even with pasta.

Tip: It's an ultimate Spanish tapa dish that you can create easily at home. If you’re thinking of hosting a tapa party, you can add some crusty bread, cured ham, aged Spanish cheese to the menu and invite your friends to indulge in this scrumptious dish. 

Why Choose Spicentice?

Delicious meals are not perfect without the right spices. That's why, here atSpicentice, we strive to offer kits and spices made with the best ingredients the market has to offer. Our kits are made with 100% pure herbs and spices to create the best flavours that you want. We have a wide range of products available, so you can manage to cook dishes without the need to go in and out of the supermarket because you forgot to pick up a certain spice.