Slow-Cooked Pork Cheeks with Mustard

Introduction

Slow-Cooked Pork Cheeks with Mustard is a comforting French dish featuring incredibly tender pork cheeks simmered slowly in a creamy mustard sauce. The combination of Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, white wine, and cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce that makes this dish perfect for a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 kg pork cheeks
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 2 onions
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 carrots
• 250 ml dry white wine
• 300 ml chicken stock
• 150 ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley, for serving

Preparation Step by Step

1. Pat the pork cheeks dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown the pork cheeks on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions, carrots, and minced garlic for a few minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well for about 1 minute.
5. Return the pork cheeks to the pot and pour in the white wine. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add the chicken stock, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, thyme, and bay leaf.
7. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for about 2½ hours, until the pork is extremely tender.
8. Remove the pork cheeks and the herbs. Stir the heavy cream into the sauce.
9. Return the pork to the pot and simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes.
10. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Slow cooking is the key to making pork cheeks beautifully tender. Keep the heat low and avoid a strong boil, which can make the meat tougher. For the best flavor, use good-quality Dijon mustard and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this dish the day before?
Yes. It can taste even better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop.

What should I serve with pork cheeks?
Mashed potatoes, steamed potatoes, fresh pasta, or roasted vegetables are excellent choices.

Can I replace the white wine?
Yes. Replace it with additional chicken stock for a wine-free version.

How do I know when the pork cheeks are done?
They should be extremely tender and easily pull apart with a fork.

Can I use only Dijon mustard?
Yes. Use about 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard if you don’t have whole-grain mustard.

Servings: 4–6 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Category: Main Course / French Cuisine 🇫🇷