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There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a simple piece of pork belly into a tender, mouthwatering feast. As I prepared my Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes, the enticing aroma of fennel seeds and garlic began to fill my kitchen, instantly transforming it into a cozy haven. This hearty dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave comfort food that warms both the body and soul.

After a busy week filled with takeout and fast food, I found myself yearning for something lush and flavorful that I could enjoy from the comfort of my home. The slow-cooking process brings out the rich, buttery sweetness of high-quality native breed pork, while the confit potatoes soak up all the savory juices. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the details of bringing this delectable dish to your table!

Why is Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes a Must-Try?

An Epicurean Delight: This dish elevates ordinary ingredients into a feast, with slow-cooked pork that melts in your mouth.
Home-Cooked Comfort: Perfect for those seeking a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Easy-to-Follow Recipe: The straightforward steps make it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Flavor Explosion: With the infusion of fennel seeds and a splash of cider, every bite is bursting with robust flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for make-ahead meals, this recipe rewards patience with intensified flavors if prepared in advance.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stunning dish never fails to impress!

For more hearty recipes, don’t miss my guide on how to make the perfect roast!

Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds Ingredients

• Unravel the flavors behind this comfort food classic!

For the Pork

Pork Belly – Choose high-quality, slow-reared pork for the ultimate richness and flavor.
Salt – Essential for seasoning; it enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
Fennel Seeds – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth; can substitute with caraway seeds if unavailable.

For the Confit Potatoes

Waxy Potatoes – Opt for waxy potatoes for better texture, resulting in creamy, tender bites.
Thyme – Fresh thyme adds an earthy note; dried thyme can work in a pinch.
Garlic – Provides a savory edge; swap with shallots if a milder flavor is desired.
Sage – Fresh sage complements the pork beautifully; dried sage can be used if necessary.

For Cooking Liquid

Cider – Infuses flavor as the cooking liquid; substitute with apple juice if needed for sweetness.

How to Make Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes

Prep Potatoes: Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the waxy potatoes. In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with thyme, garlic, and half of the sage, ensuring they’re well mixed.
Assemble Base: Spread the seasoned potato mixture evenly across the bottom of a roasting tin. This will create a flavorful base for the pork belly to rest upon.
Prepare Pork: Generously rub the pork belly with salt and fennel seeds, making sure to coat it thoroughly. This enhances the flavor and ensures the skin becomes crispy during cooking.
Bake: Place the seasoned pork belly atop the layer of potatoes in the roasting tin. Pour the cider over the entire ensemble, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Cooking Process: Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 2 hours. Keep an eye on it until the pork becomes tender and the fat is beautifully rendered.
Serve: Once cooked, slice the pork belly into portions and serve it with the confit potatoes. Pair this dish with a chilled glass of cider for the perfect finish.

Optional: Garnish with additional fresh sage for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds Variations

Explore the endless possibilities to make this dish uniquely yours with delightful tweaks and additions!

Herb Twist: Substitute fennel seeds with rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic flavor profile. The fresh herbs can enhance the dish in unexpected ways.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cooking liquid for a subtle yet exciting heat. This will elevate the sweetness of the pork beautifully.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts to the roast for added nutrition and texture. They soak up the flavorful juices, creating a delightful bite in every forkful.
Apple Upgrade: Swap the cider with a pear or apple cider for a fruitier taste. The sweetness from the fruit creates a lovely contrast with the rich pork.
Sweet Addition: Incorporate honey or maple syrup into the cooking liquid for a hint of sweetness that complements the pork’s savory notes perfectly.
Creamy Contrast: Serve with a dollop of creamy garlic or herb-infused yogurt on the side. It adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork belly.
Crispy Texture: Top the dish with crispy fried onions or shallots for an extra crunch. A little texture can transform the overall dining experience!
Savory Marinade: Marinate the pork belly overnight in a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an Asian-inspired twist. This adds layers of flavor you won’t forget!

Make Ahead Options

These Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily prepare the confit potatoes up to 24 hours in advance by slicing and seasoning them with thyme, garlic, and sage, then refrigerating them covered to maintain freshness. The pork belly can also be rubbed with salt and fennel seeds and left to marinate in the fridge, which not only saves you time but enhances flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the dish and proceed with baking as detailed in the recipe. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes?

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this luxurious dish with other delightful accompaniments that balance and enhance its rich flavors.

Seasonal Greens: The freshness of sautéed greens like spinach or kale provides a vibrant, peppery contrast to the hearty pork belly.
Cider-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots echo the cider used in cooking. Their sugary glaze complements the savory essence of the dish.
Creamy Polenta: Silky polenta offers a soft texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy pork surface, creating an enticing combination at your table.
Apple and Fennel Salad: This refreshing salad brings brightness with crisp apple slices and fennel, cutting through the richness of the pork belly.

For a cozy evening, consider finishing your meal with a light dessert like a lemon tart or custard. Their tangy sweetness will provide the perfect ending after the indulgent main course.

Expert Tips for Cooking Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds

Score the Skin: Make sure to score the pork belly skin deep enough to allow fat to render, which helps achieve that coveted crispy texture.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality native breed pork for the best flavor and texture in your pork belly with fennel seeds, avoiding inferior cuts.
Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow the dish to slow-cook, as the longer cooking time enhances tenderness and the infusion of flavors.
Watch the Potatoes: Ensure you don’t overcrowd the potatoes in the roasting tin; this prevents them from achieving that nice, even cooking and crispy finish.
Prepping Ahead: Embrace making this dish a day before serving, as the flavors improve significantly after resting overnight in the fridge.
Serving Style: When serving, slice the pork belly against the grain for the best bite, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that luscious cooking liquid over the confit potatoes!

Storage Tips for Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes

Fridge: Store leftover pork belly and confit potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact while keeping the dish fresh.

Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through. This will maintain the delicious texture of the pork belly with fennel seeds and the creamy potatoes.

Make-Ahead Tip: Preparing this dish a day in advance allows the depth of flavors to develop, enhancing the overall taste when it’s time to serve.

Pork Belly with Fennel Seeds & Confit Potatoes Recipe FAQs

What type of pork belly should I choose?
Absolutely! Always opt for high-quality, slow-reared native breed pork belly. This will provide the richness and flavor that makes your slow-cooked dish truly special. Look for pork belly that has a good balance of fat and meat, as the fat will render beautifully during cooking, enhancing the overall taste.

How should I store leftovers?
Great question! Store any leftover pork belly and confit potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain the dish’s flavors and keeps it fresh for your next meal. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to avoid any condensation.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the pork belly and confit potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through.

What if my pork belly turns out tough?
Very! If your pork belly ends up tough, it might not have cooked long enough or at a low enough temperature. For the best results, ensure you’re slow cooking at 160°C (320°F) for at least 2 hours. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 75°C (165°F). If you find your pork isn’t tender enough after the initial cooking time, simply return it to the oven and continue to cook, checking every 15-20 minutes.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
Absolutely! When cooking for others, always be mindful of dietary restrictions. This dish is not suitable for those with pork allergies or specific dietary restrictions against high-fat content. If cooking for a gathering, it’s a good idea to ask your guests about any allergies and adjust the recipe as needed, perhaps by using chicken or a different cut of meat.

Is there a substitute for fennel seeds?
Very! If fennel seeds are not available, you can use caraway seeds to mimic some of that aromatic sweetness. Alternatively, a mix of anise seeds and crushed coriander seeds can also work in a pinch, creating a unique flavor profile while maintaining the spirit of the dish.