125 g (4 oz) margarine
50 g (2 oz) dried breadcrumbs
15 g (1/2 oz) grated parmesan
2 pieces belly pork, total weight 900 g (2 lb), rind removed and cut into strips
175 g (6 oz) pearl barley
600 ml (1 pint) light stock
450 g (1 lb) leeks, trimmed and sliced
30 ml (2 tbsp) plain flour
600 ml (1 pint) milk
salt and freshly ground pepper
method
1. Rub 75 g (3 oz) margarine into the breadcrumbs and Parmesan to form a paste.
2. Score the surface fat of the pork and press the cheese mixture well on to the fat.
3. Put the pearl barley and stock into a roasting tin. Put the pork joints on a rack over the tin. Cook in the oven at 180°C (350°F) mark 4 for 2 1/2 hours. Cover after the first hour. In a separate tin put the crackling strips into the oven, and raise the temperature to 200°C (400°F) mark 6.
4. Transfer the pork to a serving dish and keep warm.
5. Melt the remaining margarine in a saucepan and lightly fry the leeks. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute before adding the barley and juices from the roasting tin. Remove from the heat and gradually add the milk. Bring to the boil, simmer for 2 minutes and season. Serve with the carved pork.
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