Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 pork shanks , cut in half
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion , chopped
3 celery ribs , chopped
1 small green bell pepper , chopped
4 garlic cloves , minced
2 cans diced tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
This recipe for Creole Pork Shanks with Sweet Potato Gravy is a classic Cajun-inspired dish, perfect for a filling and flavorful meal. With the tender, juicy pork shanks infused with an array of flavorful spices, complemented by the rich and creamy sweet potato gravy, every bite of this dish is satisfying. The spices add a touch of heat, while the sweet potato balances it out with its naturally sweet flavor. It's a dish that's sure to impress your friends and family, and will become a staple in your recipe book. Making this dish is like a trip to the Deep South, without ever leaving your kitchen.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces. Heat the vegetable oil in an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and brown the pork shank halves, sprinkling on black and cayenne pepper. Remove the shanks and place them on a plate.
3.In the same skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the onions for 5 minutes, then add the celery, green pepper, and garlic, sautéing for 5 more minutes. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and remaining cayenne pepper and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes. Nestle the pork shanks back in, covering them with the vegetables and liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
4.Remove the pork shanks and cover with foil. Discard the bay leaves and use an immersion blender to puree the sweet potatoes in the gravy. Serve the gravy over the pork shanks.

PROS

This hearty dish is packed with bold flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
With the added health benefits from the sweet potatoes, it’s a win-win meal.

Easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in!

CONS

This recipe calls for a lot of ingredients and can take a bit of time to prepare.
It’s also not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The main ingredient of this savory dish is pork shank, which is rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Sweet potatoes, the other key ingredient, are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and have been linked to reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and promoting healthy digestion.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.