Diced! Day of Eating: Sabine – Pig’s cheeks au vin

The latest Diced! cooking contest by The Ranting Chef is here. In this competition, contestants make four dishes: a breakfast/brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. After each dish, I will put up a poll for you to vote for your favorite. Votes for the breakfast/brunch post are worth one point apiece, lunch are worth two points, dinner votes are worth three points and dessert posts are worth five. 

Today we have a Dinner entry from Sabine who blogs over at franglaisefoodie. Check out the blog and the post below. Here’s Sabine…

Pig’s cheeks au vin

This dish was inspired by a James Martin’s recipe. It’s simple to make, effortless and very good value for money. And the meat is so tender and juicy. If you don’t like pig’s cheeks, don’t worry, this recipe works with beef, veal or even chicken (preferably thighs).

I love a good stew. It always warms my heart. I know it’s more of a winter dish, but served with pasta or just on its own with a nice piece of bread and a green salad, you won’t be able to resist it!

James Martin cooks his in the oven but I cooked mine on the hob, on a low heat for 2 hours.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 12 pig cheeks
• 2-3 banana shallots, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 1 bouquet garni (mine had 2 bay leaves, 2 sages leaves, 1 string of rosemary and 1 string of oregano)
• 200ml/7fl oz red wine or one large glass 😉
• 400ml/14fl oz veal jus or beef stock
• 100g butter, diced (optional)

In a casserole dish, brown the meat in the olive oil. I would recommend to do it in batches otherwise it won’t brown evenly. Once all the meat is browned, set aside.

Reduce the heat. Add the carrot, celery, shallots and garlic. Leave to cook for a few minutes.

Add the meat then the red wine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the stock and the bouquet garni. Bring to boil and reduce to a simmer.

Cover and leave to simmer for at least 2 hours.

Et voila, my pig’s cheeks stew served with fresh pasta. Bon appétit!!

Recipe inspired from here.