Succulent Braised Tuscan Pork Roast

Greens of Minster: Succulent Braised Tuscan Pork Roast

Braising is a long, slow cooking method that can transform relatively inexpensive cuts of meat, such as this pork shoulder, into a tender and flavorful meal your whole family will love.

Tip: For best results, marinate the pork 1-3 days in advance. To save time, the pork can be marinated at room temperature for up to 2 hours before cooking.

Prep time: 15 minutes (+ time to marinate)
Cook time: 2½ - 3 hours
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2 c. dry red wine, such as Chianti

1 large red onion, chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

4 fresh rosemary sprigs

4 fresh thyme sprigs

2 bay leaves

1 T. whole fennel seeds, crushed

1 t. red pepper flakes

3 - 3½ lbs. pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2 or 3 large pieces

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1 14.5-oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, diced and undrained

1 - 2 c. chicken stock

(Optional) Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1.    Add wine, red onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, crushed fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes to a large glass or other non-reactive bowl and stir to combine.

2.    Add pork chunks to bowl and turn until each piece is covered. Cover and place bowl in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Turn pork occasionally while marinating to evenly distribute flavors.

3.    To prepare, remove bowl from refrigerator and remove pork pieces from marinade. Pat dry with paper towels and set aside.

4.    Separate the marinade liquid from the solids and reserve both, discarding the woody herb stems and bay leaves. Set aside.  

5.    Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and sear until evenly browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.

6.    Add the solids from the marinade and cook until onions are soft and translucent, approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently.

7.    Add liquid from marinade to pan and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until liquid is reduced to approximately one third of its original volume. 

8.    Add tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth and stir to combine. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every half hour or so. Add more chicken broth, if needed, while cooking.

9.    When pork can be pulled apart easily with a fork, remove from heat and let rest in warm juices for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately over a bed of creamy polenta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!