Roast pork and crackling

Why

Pork rind is largely tough collagen plus water: in high, dry heat the water in it evaporates rapidly and forms tiny bubbles, so the rind puffs up and crackles. The Bavarian tradition first softens the rind in moist heat, scalding it or roasting it rind-side down in a little water for a while, and only then roasts it rind-side up in dry heat; the British way instead dries it in the fridge beforehand, and in both cases scoring in a diamond pattern and salt help release fat and moisture. Adding liquid and basting with pan juices keep the meat moist but soften crackling that has started to crisp, so liquid belongs at the side of the tin, not on the rind – meat without rind can be basted. Shoulder and belly have enough fat and collagen for long roasting; lean leg or loin dries out in the same time and needs only a shorter roast to the required internal temperature.

How to do it

• Roast rind-side down in a little water or covered first, so the rind softens, then turn the meat rind-side up.
• Score the softened rind in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, into the fat but not the meat, then pat it dry and salt it.
• From then on, pour no water or juices over the rind; if the bottom of the tin dries out and starts to burn, add liquid at the side.
• At the end, raise the oven to about 220–250 °C or switch on the oven grill and watch until the rind blisters; with the grill it usually takes 5–15 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature at the thickest point: the UK FSA gives 70 °C for 2 minutes, the US USDA 63 °C and 3 minutes of rest.

If it goes wrong

Rubbery crackling can be rescued: cut off the rind, lay it loose on a tray in a hot oven or under the oven grill and watch until it blisters; meanwhile let the meat rest, covered. Slice dried-out meat thinly and serve it with the pan juices. Next time don't baste the rind after turning.