Pork Collar Steaks with Pear Chimichurri, Potato-Cabbage Squash Mille-Feuille, and Thyme-Roasted Onions

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

2. 2

   In a bowl, combine the potatoes, butternut squash, half of the chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, half of the salt, and some black pepper.

3. 3

   Build the layered bake in the dish by alternating potato, squash, and criollo or tybo cheese. Pour the stock or water into one side of the dish without disturbing the layers. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, place the onions on another tray or in a free section of the same dish. Toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the thyme leaves, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Roast the onions for 30 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until tender and browned at the edges.

5. 5

   Remove the foil from the layered bake, press lightly with a spatula, add the remaining cheese on top, and bake 20 more minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F until golden and set.

6. 6

   For the pear chimichurri, mix in a bowl the diced pear, parsley, remaining chopped garlic, dried oregano, mild crushed chili, red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Pat the pork collar steaks dry with paper towels and season them with the remaining salt and black pepper.

8. 8

   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sear the pork collar steaks for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until well caramelized and cooked through. If you prefer to finish them in the oven, transfer them for 5 minutes at 180 °C / 350 °F after searing.

9. 9

   Let the meat rest for 5 minutes off the heat so it keeps its juices.

10. 10

    Cut the layered potato and squash bake into portions. Serve each plate with one pork collar steak, one portion of the potato-squash mille-feuille, thyme-roasted onions, and a generous spoonful of pear chimichurri on top or on the side.