GRID IRON GOURMET / THE KITCHEN
Braised pork cheeks are one of the great slow-cooked cuts: deeply savoury, tender, and full of natural richness. Here they are cooked gently in stock, herbs and wine until spoon-soft, then served with a smooth celeriac mash that keeps the plate comforting while staying lighter and lower in carbs than potato mash.
Serves 4.
This dish does not need crisping, but if you like a slightly caramelised edge, place the cooked cheeks in the basket and use Air Crisp at 190°C for 3–4 minutes, brushing lightly with reduced sauce first.
A Pinot Noir is an excellent choice, especially one with earthy red fruit and gentle tannins. It will not overpower the pork cheeks and works well with the celeriac.
A Côtes du Rhône brings soft spice, dark fruit and enough body for the braising sauce. Choose a fresher, medium-bodied bottle rather than anything too heavy or oaky.
A young Rioja Crianza also works well, particularly if the sauce has plenty of thyme, garlic and mustard. Its red fruit and savoury oak notes suit slow-cooked pork nicely.
A white Burgundy or good Mâcon-Villages has enough roundness for the pork while keeping a clean finish. It is especially good if the sauce is made with dry white wine.
A dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire or South Africa brings acidity, apple notes and a little texture, which pair neatly with celeriac and mustard.
A fuller Pinot Gris can work too, particularly with the sweetness of the root vegetables and the richness of the sauce.
A dry cider is a natural partner for pork cheeks. Look for something crisp and tannic rather than sweet, as it will refresh the palate between bites.
A Belgian dubbel brings malt, dried fruit and gentle spice, making it a strong match for the slow braise.
A brown ale or malt-led bitter works well if you want something comforting and savoury without too much hop bitterness.
A dry alcohol-free cider is one of the best choices here, as apple acidity and pork are classic partners.
A sparkling apple and ginger drink gives brightness and a little warmth against the rich sauce.
A rosemary and lemon tonic works beautifully: herbal, sharp and grown-up enough to stand beside the dish.
A lightly chilled lapsang souchong tea is also surprisingly good, bringing smoke and tannin without sweetness.
These oyster cut cheeks are marbled with fat that gives them tremendous flavour when slow cooked.
These delectable morsels are a hidden gem in the world of meat cuts. Oyster cut pork cheeks are a true delicacy, known for their exceptional tenderness and rich, tasty meat.
£18.50
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