Baked Rice with Pork

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven and Sear Pork

   8 min

   Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens). In a large deep frying pan or shallow casserole dish, approximately 30cm in diameter, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over high heat. Sear the pork belly slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a rich golden-brown crust. Once browned, transfer the pork to a bowl and set aside.

2. 2

   Cook Black Pudding and Vegetables

   19 min

   Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Introduce the black pudding and bacon lardons, frying them until they are browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then remove them with a slotted spoon. In the rendered fat, sauté the chopped onion and red peppers for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and lightly golden. Finally, add the chopped plum tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they break down and create a flavorful mixture.

3. 3

   Add Aromatics and Return Meats

   10 min

   Incorporate the garlic cloves, paprika, and chilli flakes into the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Return the seared pork belly, black pudding, and bacon lardons back to the pan. Next, add the dried white beans and pour in the chicken stock, then sprinkle the thyme sprigs over the top. Bring the entire mixture to a vigorous boil, which should take about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add Rice and Bake

   31 min

   Carefully spread the paella rice evenly around the pork belly, making sure some of the rice is submerged in the hot stock. Allow the stock to come back to a boil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the pan to the oven without covering it and bake for 20 minutes. After this time, check the rice for tenderness and see if the stock has been absorbed; if not, return it to the oven for an extra 5 minutes until done.

5. 5

   Finish with Lemon Juice

   5 min

   Right before serving, enhance the flavors by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the dish. For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and aromas.

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