Traditional Swedish Pickled Pork Roast
Experience the rich flavors of Sweden with this Traditional Pickled Pork Roast recipe. This impressive dish takes ten days to pickle, but the tender, flavorful roast that emerges is truly worth the wait. This recipe comes from 'The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas' and is a star of the Swedish Winter Feast. When paired with dishes like Swedish Sauerkraut, Green Split Peas with Bacon, and creamy Mashed Rutabaga, it creates a memorable holiday meal that everyone will love. Even those hesitant about trying new things will be pleasantly surprised by how delish this feast can be!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 gallons (None)
Pickling Salt
1 lb (None)
Saltpeter (optional)
1 teaspoon (Dissolved in brine)
Boneless Pork Butt or Pork Loin Roast
8 lbs (Tied into a roast)
Bay Leaves
2 (Whole)
Whole Black Peppercorns
15 (Whole)
Whole Allspice
5 (Whole)
Instructions
1
In a large stainless steel pot or pickling crock, combine the water, pickling salt, and saltpeter (if using) until completely dissolved.
2
Carefully untie the pork roast and immerse it in the pickling solution. Use a heavy plate to keep the pork submerged beneath the liquid.
3
Cover the pot or crock and refrigerate for 10 days, checking periodically to ensure the pork remains submerged.
4
After the pickling time has elapsed, remove the pork from the solution, retie it into a roast, and rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove excess salt.
5
Place the prepared roast into a large cooking pot and cover with cold water.
6
Add bay leaves, black peppercorns, and whole allspice to the pot.
7
Bring the pot to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender.
8
Remove the roast from the pot and slice it into thick pieces. Arrange on a large serving platter.
9
Serve warm with a side of Sweet and Hot Mustard for an authentic Swedish experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Swedish Pickled Pork Roast?
It is a festive Swedish dish featuring a pork roast that is pickled for ten days and then simmered with spices.
How long must the pork be pickled?
The pork needs to be immersed in the pickling brine and refrigerated for ten days.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe comes from 'The Frugal Gourmet Celebrates Christmas' and is part of a traditional Swedish Winter Feast.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
An eight-pound boneless pork butt or pork loin roast is used.
Is saltpeter necessary for the brine?
Saltpeter is optional; you may use one teaspoon dissolved in the brine if you choose.
What kind of salt is required for the brine?
One pound of pickling salt is required to make the brine solution.
How much water is used in the pickling brine?
The recipe requires two gallons of water to dissolve the pickling salt.
What equipment is needed for the pickling process?
A large stainless steel pot or a pickling crock is recommended for the pickling process.
How do you keep the roast submerged in the liquid?
Place a heavy plate on top of the pork roast to keep it submerged beneath the pickling solution.
Does the pork need refrigeration during the pickling stage?
Yes, you must cover the pot or crock and refrigerate it for the full ten-day period.
What is the first step after the ten-day pickling period?
Remove the pork from the solution, retie it into a roast, and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
Why should the meat be rinsed after pickling?
Rinsing is necessary to remove excess salt from the surface of the meat after its long soak in the brine.
How is the pickled roast cooked?
It is placed in a large pot, covered with cold water, and simmered with whole spices.
Which spices are added to the cooking pot?
Add two bay leaves, fifteen whole black peppercorns, and five whole allspice berries to the pot.
How long does the simmering process take?
The roast should simmer for approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
How do you know the meat is finished cooking?
The roast is finished when the meat becomes fork-tender.
How should the meat be sliced for serving?
Remove the roast from the pot and slice it into thick pieces to arrange on a serving platter.
Is the Traditional Swedish Pickled Pork Roast served hot or cold?
This roast is best served warm for an authentic experience.
What sauce pairs well with the pork?
Serving the roast with Sweet and Hot Mustard is recommended.
What are some traditional side dishes for this meal?
Suggested sides include Swedish Sauerkraut, Green Split Peas with Bacon, and creamy Mashed Rutabaga.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are seven total ingredients: water, pickling salt, saltpeter, pork roast, bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice.
What is the preparation for the bay leaves?
The two bay leaves should be used whole when added to the cooking pot.
What is the preparation for the peppercorns?
The fifteen black peppercorns should be kept whole for the simmering process.
How many allspice berries are used?
The recipe calls for five whole allspice berries.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is described as a star of the Swedish Winter Feast and perfect for a memorable holiday meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include Swedish, pork roast, pickled meat, holiday meal, tradition, and comfort food.
How much pork meat is needed for this recipe?
The recipe specifies a roast weighing eight pounds.
Should the meat be checked during the pickling time?
Yes, you should check the pot periodically to ensure the pork remains fully submerged.
What is the flavor profile of this roast?
The dish is described as tender and flavorful, offering a rich experience for those enjoying a Swedish feast.
Is the salt dissolved before adding the meat?
Yes, you should combine the water and salts in the pot until they are completely dissolved before adding the pork.