- 1 pound fresh, skin-on pork belly
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- 1 large sprig thyme
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3 cups low-salt chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4″ cubes
- 3 large shallots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Banyuls vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 4 poached eggs (optional)
- Preheat oven to 275°F. Season pork belly generously with salt and pepper. Place in a large ovenproof saucepan. Add thyme and garlic. Pour stock over. Bring to a simmer over low heat, cover tightly, and braise in oven until tender, about 3 hours. Uncover; let cool. Transfer pork belly to a 9″ glass pie dish. Place another 9″ glass pie dish on top of pork belly. Weight with a 15-ounce canned good. Chill overnight.
- Remove skin from pork belly. Cut meat into 1/2″ cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and sauté until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pork to a medium bowl. Season potatoes with salt and pepper. Add to same skillet; sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to bowl with pork. Add 2 tablespoons oil and shallots to skillet; sauté over medium heat until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Return potatoes and pork with any accumulated juices to pan. Drizzle vinegar and syrup over; stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve with poached eggs if desired.