If you haven’t tried Ukrainian “Hutsul-style” lard yet, be sure to correct this omission.
Lard prepared in this way turns out tender and aromatic, similar in appearance to smoked or baked in the oven.
Take a thick piece of pork belly with a layer of fat at least 4 cm from the skin, cut into 6 pieces.
Pour a liter of water into a saucepan, add 4 tablespoons of coarse salt, heat until the salt is completely dissolved, stirring.
Add bay leaf (5 pcs.), allspice peas (8 pcs.) and a small handful of onion peel, mix.
Add the lard, bring to a boil, cook for no more than 15 minutes over moderate heat, cover the pan with a lid and leave overnight in a cool place.
The next day, place the lard in a sieve to dry, rub with chopped garlic and a mixture of peppers, wrap 2 pieces in foil or parchment, leave at room temperature for 7-8 hours and put in the freezer for two to three days.