EISBEIN WITH A LIGHT SPICY CRUST

Serves 2

Pickled pork knuckle, or eisbein, is a wonderful treat on any occasion. Done just right, with the meat soft and tender and the skin all crackling and good, it is the food of the beer gods.

1 large pickled pork knuckle (eisbein) 2 large onions, quartered

5ml black peppercorns

3 juniper berries

2 bay leaves

SPICE COATING

5ml (1 tsp) coriander seeds

5ml (1 tsp) white pepper

5ml (1 tsp) salt

5ml (1 tsp) crushed garlic

15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil

Place the eisbein in a large saucepan. Cover with water. Add onions, peppercorns, juniper berries and bay leaves. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours until tender. (The stock is a good base for a soup.) Preheat the oven to 220°C. Combine all the ingredients for the spice coating. Rub the mixture onto the eisbein and roast, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Serve with creamy potato mash, a large dollop of strong mustard and a mug of beer. Cheers!