Pork with potatoes and paprika in the oven: Warm flavor for cold days

When it's cold, you want a meal that fills the house with aromas and the table with smiles. Pork with potatoes and paprika is one of those "sure" dishes. Simple, juicy and ideal for a stress-free family meal.

Even if this is your first time cooking pork in the oven, this recipe will work for you.

What cut of pork should I choose?

For this recipe, you will need:

• Pork neck (juicier)
  
• Pork shoulder (holds up well when roasted)
  

Ask the butcher to cut it into portions or cubes for the oven.

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 1.2 – 1.5 kilos of pork (neck or shoulder)
• 4–5 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 80 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt & freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 glass of water

Step-by-step execution

1️⃣ Preparation
Take the meat out of the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more properly and evenly. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan).

2️⃣ Prepare the potatoes
Clean and cut the potatoes into large slices or wedges. Place them in a large baking pan.

3️⃣ Marinating (quick but effective)

In a bowl, mix:

• Olive oil
  
• Lemon
  
• Paprika
  
• Oregano
  
• Garlic
  
• Salt & pepper

Spread the mixture over the meat and give it a light “massage” so that it goes everywhere. Place the meat on top of the potatoes and pour the remaining mixture into the pan. Add the water.

4️⃣ Baking
Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper and aluminum foil. Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Then:

• Remove the aluminum foil.
• Let it bake for another 30–40 minutes until golden brown.
• If necessary, turn the meat once to get a nice color.

When is it ready?

• The pork is ready when:
• Easily pierced with a fork
• It has taken on a nice golden color.
• The potatoes have softened well.

If you see that it's drying out, add a little hot water to the pan.

What fits next?

• Fresh village salad
• Cabbage-carrot with a little vinegar
• Feta cheese or yogurt for cooling

This food is one of those that makes the house smell like "Sunday".
It's simple, filling, and ideal for the family to gather around the table.

If you try it, next time you can experiment with a little thyme or mustard.

Good luck and happy cooking 🥩🍽️