Beans and Belly Recipe

Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

• 1 (2 pound) whole pork belly, skin removed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

For the Black Eyed Pea Salad:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 2 quarts fresh water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup mild olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (93 degrees C).
2. Season pork belly with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Place fat-side down on a piece of parchment paper; fold paper around pork, then wrap in a few layers of foil. Place in a baking dish, fat-side up. Watch Now
3. Bake in the preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 7 1/2 hours. Let cool completely, still wrapped, then transfer to the refrigerator. Watch Now
4. Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and place in a pot with 2 quarts water. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Add bay leaf and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until beans are just tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Drain beans and set aside. Watch Now
5. Whisk Dijon mustard, white vinegar, rice vinegar, and oil together in a bowl. Add garlic, onion, jalapeno, and bell pepper. Pour warm beans into the dressing. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne; toss to combine. Wrap salad in plastic wrap and chill to let flavors blend, 8 hours to overnight. Watch Now
6. Mix parsley into the salad and taste for seasoning. Watch Now
7. Unwrap pork belly; cut into bite-sized chunks. Transfer pieces into a dry pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Watch Now
8. Place salad in serving bowls and top with pork belly. Watch Now

Nutrition Facts