There are several recipes for Peameal Bacon, also referred to as Canadian Bacon. Homemade foods are usually much better tasting and satisfying than store-bought brands, so give this recipe a try .
In the past, Canadian Bacon was rolled in crushed dried yellow peas. Hence, the name "peameal."Nowadays, it is rolled in cornmeal.
Homemade Peameal Bacon
Ingredients:
Meat: pork loin
Brine:
2 quarts of water
6 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoons sodium nitrite
1/2 cup sugar
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves
1 large bunch of sage
7 or 8 thyme sprigs
1 lemon halved
Procedure:
- Combine the brine ingredients in a pot and bring it to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Remove it from the heat, and allow to cool.
- Place in refrigerator until chilled.
- Pour the brine into a large zip lock food storage bag.
- Place the pork loin in the brine, zip lock the bag, and turn it several times to fully submerge the pork loin.
- Refrigerate for 72 hours.
- Remove the loin from the brine, rinse it, pat it dry, and refrigerate it uncovered for at least 4 hours minimum, up to 24 hours.
- Remove from brine, and allow excess brine to drain off the pork loin.
- Roll the pork loin in cornmeal to thoroughly coat.
- Cut into slices and saute or grill.
- Refrigerate the bacon until ready to cut and serve. Can be served cold or reheated.
