Publications
Makes 4 generous servings
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
- 4 boneless pork neck steaks
- sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
- zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- a large knob of butter
- 30ml olive oil
- 2 whole garlic cloves
- 12 sage leaves
- 400g button mushrooms, halved
- 250ml cream
- 300g tagliatelle
- 60ml pine nuts, toasted
- 125ml grated Parmesan
1. Season the pork with salt, pepper and lemon zest to taste. Melt the butter with the oil in a thick-based pan and fry the garlic and sage leaves until the sage is crispy and the garlic is fragrant. Remove the leaves and keep for garnishing; scoop out the garlic and discard or use it in another dish.
2. Fry the pork in the fragrant butter and oil until it forms a golden-brown crust on all sides. Don’t turn the meat too often and remember to fry the sides as well – use your braai tongs. Once the meat is browned to your liking, set aside to rest while you make the sauce.
3. Fry the mushrooms in the same pan until golden-brown. Add a little more butter and oil, if necessary. Season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Pour the cream into the pan and simmer until reduced by half. For the last 5 minutes, put the pork back in the pan with the sauce and cover with a lid. This ensures that the flavours infuse and the meat is cooked through. Test the meat by cutting the thickest piece, if you’re unsure.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Mix the cooked pasta with the mushroom sauce and dilute as necessary with another splash of pasta water to ensure that the rich sauce coats all the pasta ribbons.
5. Spoon the pasta onto a serving platter and arrange the cooked pork on top with the crispy sage leaves and nuts. Serve immediately with Parmesan and extra freshly ground black pepper. A sprinkling of fresh basil is an optional extra.
