Pork with potatoes and paprika in the oven: Warm flavor for cold days

When the weather turns cold, you want a meal that fills the house with aromas and brings smiles to the table. Pork with potatoes and paprika is one of those fail-safe dishes. Simple, juicy, and perfect for a relaxed family meal.

Even if this is your first time cooking pork in the oven, this recipe is sure to turn out well.

Which cut of pork should I choose?

These cuts work well in this recipe:

• Pork neck (juicier)
  
• Pork shoulder (holds up well during roasting)
  

Ask your butcher to cut it into portions or cubes for roasting.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1.2–1.5 kg pork (neck or shoulder)
• 4–5 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 80 ml olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt & freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 glass water

Step-by-step instructions

1️⃣ Preparation
Take the meat out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly. Preheat the oven to 180°C (conventional setting).

2️⃣ Prepare the potatoes
Peel and cut the potatoes into large slices or wedges. Place them in a large roasting pan.

3️⃣ Marinating (quick but effective)

In a bowl, mix together:

• Olive oil
  
• Lemon
  
• Paprika
  
• Oregano
  
• Garlic
  
• Salt & pepper

Spread the mixture over the meat and give it a light “massage” so it coats it all over. Place the meat on top of the potatoes and pour the remaining mixture into the pan. Add the water.

4️⃣ Roasting
Cover the pan with parchment paper and aluminum foil. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Then:

• Remove the aluminum foil
• Roast for another 30–40 minutes, until golden brown
• If needed, turn the meat once so it browns nicely.

How do you know when it’s ready?

• The pork is ready when it:
• Is easy to pierce with a fork
• Has turned a lovely golden brown
• And the potatoes are tender

If it looks like it’s drying out, add a little hot water to the pan.

What goes well with it?

• Fresh Greek village salad
• Cabbage and carrot with a little vinegar
• Feta or yogurt for a refreshing touch

This is one of those dishes that makes the house smell like “Sunday”.
It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for bringing the family together around the table.

If you try it, next time you can experiment with a little thyme or mustard.

Good luck and happy cooking 🥩🍽️