If you’re a fan of pork, you may have heard of a cottage roll. But what exactly is it?
This boneless pork shoulder butt has been cured in a sweet brine, giving it a unique flavor that falls somewhere between corned beef and ham. It’s a popular cut of meat in Canada and Britain, but not as well-known in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes a pork cottage roll so special and share some delicious recipes to try at home. So grab your apron and get ready to discover the wonders of this flavorful cut of meat!
What Is A Pork Cottage Roll?
As mentioned earlier, a pork cottage roll is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine. This brine is usually made with salt and sugar, giving the meat a slightly sweet and salty flavor. The meat is often packed in netting or sealed plastic and can be found in the meat section of grocery stores.
While it may look similar to ham, a pork cottage roll is not smoked and has a different flavor profile. It’s also much cheaper than ham, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
The History Of Pork Cottage Roll
The origins of pork cottage roll can be traced back to Canada, where it was a popular and affordable option for families. It was named “cottage ham” to give it a more elevated status than its humble beginnings as a cheap cut of meat. The pork shoulder butt was cured in a sweetened brine, similar to the brine used for peameal bacon.
In the United States, a similar product was developed in 1856 by John Taylor of Trenton, New Jersey. He called it “Taylor’s Prepared Ham” and it became popular in the region. However, food labeling regulations later required all manufacturers to label it as “pork roll” instead of “ham”.
Despite this change in labeling, people in northern New Jersey still refer to it as “Taylor ham”, causing a division in the state over what to call it. Pork cottage roll remains a popular and affordable option for those looking for a tasty and budget-friendly meal.
How Is Pork Cottage Roll Made?
To make a pork cottage roll, a boneless pork shoulder butt is first soaked in brine for 4-5 days. The brine is made with salt and sugar, along with any other desired seasonings. This process helps to infuse the meat with flavor and also helps to preserve it.
After the brining process is complete, the meat is removed from the brine and rinsed well to remove any excess salt. It is then typically packed in netting or sealed plastic for easy storage and transport.
To prepare the pork cottage roll for cooking, it is often simmered in water or broth with added vegetables and seasonings. This can be done on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, depending on personal preference. Once cooked, the meat can be sliced and served hot or cold.
For those who prefer a more flavorful preparation, a glaze can be made with sugar, mustard, marmalade, and orange juice. The glaze is poured over the cooked meat and then baked in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize and create a sweet and tangy crust.
What Does Pork Cottage Roll Taste Like?
Pork cottage roll has a distinct taste that can be described as salty and slightly sweet. The sweetness comes from the sugar used in the brine, while the saltiness is a result of the curing process. The meat has a texture that is similar to ham, but with a fattier profile. It’s important to note that the taste may vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used in the brine.
When cooked properly, pork cottage roll is tender and juicy, making it a great addition to any meal. It can be served as a main dish or used in sandwiches or soups. Some people also use the cooking broth to make a flavorful soup or gravy.
Popular Ways To Cook Pork Cottage Roll
There are several popular ways to cook pork cottage roll, each with its own unique method and flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook pork cottage roll:
1. Boiling: One of the most common ways to cook pork cottage roll is by boiling it. To do this, place the cottage roll in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover it with water. Add in some onions, carrots, bay leaves, and peppercorns for flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, depending on the size of the roast. Once it’s done, remove the meat from the liquid and brush it with a mixture of honey mustard and brown sugar. Place it in the oven on “warm” while you cook the cabbage in the reserved liquid.
2. Crockpot: Another popular way to cook pork cottage roll is by using a crockpot. Simply place the cottage roll in the crockpot with some water and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 5-7 hours. Once it’s done cooking, remove it from the crockpot and separate the fat from the meat using two forks. Put all the fats back into the crockpot with the cooking water to make a delicious broth.
3. Simmering: You can also simmer pork cottage roll for 3 to 4 hours on your cooker’s high setting or twice that time on low. Turn the pork midway through cooking so that each side is submerged for an equal length of time. The roll is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.
4. Pressure Cooker: If you have a pressure cooker, you can cook sweet pickled cottage roll by simmering it in water or pressure cooking. Simply remove any plastic packaging, but leave the netting on. Rinse or not rinse depending on your liking of salt tolerance. Cook from thawed, not frozen.
5. Stovetop: If you don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can easily make pork cottage roll on your stove in a large stockpot. Cover, boil and simmer for an hour to two hours, checking for an internal temperature of 160F. Make sure to check the water level and ensure that it’s covering the roast as some will boil off.
No matter which method you choose, pork cottage roll is a delicious and affordable option for any meal.
Delicious Pork Cottage Roll Recipes To Try At Home
If you’re looking for some delicious recipes to try at home using pork cottage roll, we’ve got you covered. Here are three recipes to get you started:
1. Slow Cooker Pork Cottage Roll: This recipe is perfect for those who want to set it and forget it. Simply place the cottage roll in a crockpot with water and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 5-7 hours. Once it’s cooked, separate the fat from the meat and enjoy with mashed potatoes and gravy.
2. Dutch Oven Pork Cottage Roll: For a more hands-on approach, try cooking your pork cottage roll in a dutch oven. Start by removing any peppercorns or cloves from the roast and adding it to the dutch oven with broth. Bring it to a boil on the stovetop, then cover and reduce to a simmer for 2 hours. Add in your veggies and continue simmering for an additional 45 minutes.
3. Sweet Pickled Pork Cottage Roll: If you’re looking for a unique twist on pork cottage roll, try pickling it. Start by rinsing the meat (or not, depending on your preference) and cooking it either by simmering in water or pressure cooking. Once it’s cooked, remove the netting and serve with your favorite sides.
No matter how you decide to cook your pork cottage roll, be sure to remove any netting before serving and save the cooking water for making stock or soup the next day. With its sweet and salty flavor profile, pork cottage roll is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Give these recipes a try and see for yourself!
Where To Buy Pork Cottage Roll
If you’re interested in trying out pork cottage roll for yourself, it’s important to know where to find it. Luckily, this cut of meat is widely available in many grocery stores and supermarkets.
You can start your search by checking the meat section of your local grocery store. Look for packages of boneless pork shoulder butt that are labeled as “cottage roll” or “pickled pork.” These packages may be wrapped in netting or sealed plastic, and will usually indicate that the meat has been cured in a sweet brine.
If you’re having trouble finding pork cottage roll at your local grocery store, try checking specialty meat markets or butcher shops. These stores may carry a wider variety of cured meats, including pork cottage roll.
Finally, if all else fails, you can always try ordering pork cottage roll online. Many online retailers offer this cut of meat for purchase, and will ship it directly to your doorstep.
No matter where you choose to buy your pork cottage roll, be sure to check the packaging for any cooking instructions or recommendations. With a little bit of preparation and some creative recipe ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious and affordable cut of meat in no time.