Sometimes there is food in Canada, that America and the rest of the world have never heard of. I mean, I see you, butter tarts and poutine. But the Pickled Cottage Roll is one of those things that is only found in Canada.
I really treat this recipe as a ‘use what you have’ and low maintenance deal. I hope this helps you learn how to make cottage roll. Have fun making this Canadian specialty and soon you’ll have tasty pork slices.
If you’ve browsed the meat section and seen a mysterious packaged lump labeled “pork cottage roll”, you may have wondered what exactly it is. This versatile, flavorful cut deserves more recognition! In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about the pork cottage roll. You’ll learn how it’s made, why it’s so affordable, the best cooking methods, and some mouthwatering recipe ideas. Let’s dive in!
Defining the Pork Cottage Roll
The pork cottage roll is essentially a boneless pork shoulder roast that has been cured in a sweet and salty brine solution. It’s made from the same cut as a traditional bone-in pork shoulder, but undergoes a curing process to boost flavor.
Other names for this cut include:
- Shoulder roll
- Boston butt roll
- Picnic roll
- Canadian bacon roll
The brining gives it a hint of sweetness and deeply seasoned flavor that sets it apart from a plain pork roast. Due to its oval, roll-like shape, it’s easy to cook as a whole roast or slice into cutlets.
Why It’s So Affordable
There are a few reasons why pork cottage rolls offer great value:
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Made from inexpensive shoulder cuts
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Brining adds flavor without expensive ingredients
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Less popular than ham or bacon so priced lower
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Sold in bulk, economical packages
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Can utilize odd-shaped shoulder pieces
For budget-friendly dinners that still feel special, the pork cottage roll is a go-to choice. The brining makes it taste like you spent far more!
Identifying the Cut
Since labeling varies between stores, here are some telltale signs that you’ve got a pork cottage roll:
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Shape – Oblong, tube-like log shape
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Weight – Typically 2 to 3 pounds
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Color – Pink to pale red
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Packaging – Wrapped in netting
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Surface – Damp from brine solution
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Fat – Moderate marbling throughout
Seeking out these characteristics ensures you grab the right affordable cut.
Best Cooking Methods
The pork cottage roll’s versatility allows many cooking options:
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Roasting – Roast low and slow until fork-tender
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Braising – Simmer in broth until succulent
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Grilling – Sear over high heat for caramelization
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Slicing – Cut into medallions to sauté or bread/fry
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Stewing – Add to vegetable stew for heartiness
Thanks to its uniform shape, the pork cottage roll always cooks evenly.
Recipe Inspiration
Take your cottage roll to the next level with recipes like:
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Maple mustard roast with roasted veggies
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Slow cooker barbeque cottage rolls
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Cottage roll stroganoff with mushrooms
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Thai curry braised cottage rolls
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Breaded cottage roll cutlets with lemon zest
The sweet brine makes it perfect for both savory and slightly sweet dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cooked cottage roll with sides like:
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Cheesy scalloped potatoes or potato gratin
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Buttery egg noodles or spaetzle
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Roasted Brussels sprouts and pancetta
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Glazed carrots with fresh dill
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Freekeh or farro salad with herbs
Creative sides turn the humble cottage roll into a mouthwatering meal.
Time to Try It!
Now that you know the secrets behind the pork cottage roll, it’s time to pick one up and start cooking! Check for all the telltale signs so you grab the right cut. Bring out the natural flavors with flavorful rubs, marinades and sauces. Serve it up with your favorite fixings for an easy, budget-friendly feast. With its deeply seasoned brine and affordable price, the pork cottage roll truly delivers.
For more inspiration, explore our guides on pork roast styles, cooking times, carving tips and amazing recipes. Let’s give this underappreciated cut the love it deserves!
What Vegetables go with Cottage Roll?
That’s because it’s a kind of pickled meat. The same vegetables that go with corned beef taste great with a Cottage roll too. Potatoes, Onions, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots. This kind of vegetable can be cooked and eaten with a cottage roll, and it will taste great.
Can I cook Canadian Pork Cottage Roll in an Instant Pot?
Of course! Canadian Pork Cottage Roll is super easy to do in your Instant Pot. Hands-off and delicious. Then, it’s easy to make a tasty French Canadian Split Pea soup with the broth water that’s left over.
If you’ve never had it, French Canadian Split Pea Soup is great in the winter and fall. This is a great and easy truly Canadian meal. Check out my recipe here.
Cottage Roll | Cast Iron | Canadian Castaholic
FAQ
What is cottage roll made of?
How do you cook fletchers pork cottage roll?
Is cottage roll the same as corned beef?
Is a cottage roll smoked?
What is a cottage roll?
A ‘cottage roll’ is a boneless piece of pork shoulder that’s cured in brine but spiced like corned beef rather than ham. It’s a less common find in American meat cases, but is common in Canada and Britain.
What is a pork cottage roll?
A pork cottage roll is made from pork shoulder. It’s cured in a brine made with water, salt, sugar, sodium erythorbate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium nitrite. It’s covered in a string mesh that holds it together while the meat is cooking. Basically, it’s a pickled boneless pork shoulder roast. There are various ways to cook a cottage roll.
How do you cook a cottage roll in a crock pot?
Cover the pot so the cabbage will cook faster. Put the cottage roll into a large stockpot and cover with water. To the pot add the garlic cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Bring all of this to a boil, cover, and simmer for an hour. Check the roast periodically to make sure that the water is still covering the roast.
Is cottage roll a good cut of pork?
Cottage roll is a delicious and versatile cut of pork that can elevate your cooking to new heights. Whether you roast it, braise it, or smoke it, cottage roll offers a rich, savory flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds. So, the next time you’re looking for a new meat to try, consider adding cottage roll to your culinary repertoire.