Smoky Braised Pork Shoulder
This is really good! The original recipe called for orange juice, but the first time I made this I didnt have any in the house so I used apple cider. To me, apples and pork just BELONG together. Smoked salt isnt something I keep in my pantry, so I used regular kosher salt. To get the smoky flavor, I rubbed the roast with liquid smoke just before sprinkling on the spice mixture. I was a little timid about serving pork topped with shaved chocolate to my DH, so I left that out. However he really liked this dish, so I may try the chocolate topping at some point. The left-overs were great served on warm crusty rolls with the braising liquid au jus.
This is really good! The original recipe called for orange juice, but the first time I made this I didnt have any in the house so I used apple cider. To me, apples and pork just BELONG together. Smoked salt isnt something I keep in my pantry, so I used regular kosher salt. To get the smoky flavor, I rubbed the roast with liquid smoke just before sprinkling on the spice mixture. I was a little timid about serving pork topped with shaved chocolate to my DH, so I left that out. However he really liked this dish, so I may try the chocolate topping at some point. The left-overs were great served on warm crusty rolls with the braising liquid au jus.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 onions chopped
- 4 teaspoons smoked salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds, or ground cumin
- 6 pound pork shoulder roast, or boneless pork butt roast
- 7 cloves garlic smashed
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 3 ounces 62% to 65% cacao dark chocolate bar
- italian parsley snipped
- Carbohydrate 112.90175 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 49.293705 g
- Fiber 22.5276504743099 g
- Protein 13.141085 g
- Saturated Fat 6.8256355 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (3633g)
- Sodium 44.75325 mg
- Sugar 90.3740995256901 g
- Trans Fat 2.58546199999999 g
- Calories 839 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a small bowl combine the smoked salt, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and pepper. Lightly sprinkle pork with the spice mixture, then sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
- In a large Dutch oven heat the oil over medium heat. Brown pork on all sides; transfer to a platter. Add onions and garlic to pan; cook for 2 minutes. Add apple cider, the 3/4 cup cocoa powder, and 4 cups chicken stock. Return pork to pan, completely submerged. If not completely submerged, add more stock.
- Cover and place in oven. Braise for 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours, until the pork is fork tender.
- Remove the pork from Dutch oven to a serving platter. For sauce, strain the braising liquid then return liquid to pan. Boil, uncovered, over high heat for 10 minutes to concentrate flavors. Sprinkle pork with parsley. Pass sauce with pork.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Smoky Braised Pork Shoulder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are precious, and I want to maximize them with family time, not slaving away in the kitchen. So, when I stumble upon a recipe that’s both simple and impressive, I cling to it like a lifeline. This smoky braised pork shoulder recipe is exactly that – a game-changer for busy weeknights and effortless weekend feasts.
I’ve always been a fan of pork shoulder; it’s a forgiving cut of meat that yields incredibly tender results when slow-cooked. The original recipe called for orange juice, but a spontaneous substitution (due to a missing ingredient!) led to a delightful discovery: apple cider paired beautifully with the pork, creating a surprisingly harmonious flavor profile. The sweet and tart notes of the cider complemented the smokiness of the spices perfectly, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The method is straightforward: you essentially brown the pork, add a flavorful braising liquid, and let the oven do the rest. The slow braising process tenderizes the meat to perfection, allowing the rich flavors to meld and deepen. I decided to omit the shaved chocolate topping (as the original recipe suggested) simply because my husband wasn’t completely convinced by the idea initially, but that didn't diminish the dish's deliciousness. It was incredibly flavorful on its own, a testament to the magic of simple, well-executed cooking.
The leftovers were even better! Shredded and served on warm crusty rolls with the rich braising liquid as an au jus, it was the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening. This recipe has quickly become a staple in our home, a testament to its versatility and deliciousness. It’s a recipe that I'll continue to make again and again, knowing that it always delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal without demanding too much time or effort.
Beyond its practicality, this recipe represents something more to me. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected adjustments and substitutions can lead to the most delightful culinary discoveries. It's a testament to the beauty of improvisational cooking and the joy of finding deliciousness in the simplest of approaches. I encourage you to try it, and see what delicious twists your own culinary journey might bring!
Tips for Success:
- Don't skip the browning step: This crucial step develops a rich flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Use a good quality pork shoulder: The better the meat, the better the result. Look for a nice, marbled cut.
- Adjust the braising time: Depending on your oven and the size of your pork shoulder, you may need to adjust the braising time slightly.
- Serve it your way: Feel free to experiment with different sides and garnishes. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread all pair beautifully with this dish.
This Smoky Braised Pork Shoulder is a recipe that truly embodies my philosophy of cooking – simple, flavorful, and approachable. It’s a dish that allows me to nourish my family with delicious food without sacrificing precious time. It’s a testament to the magic of slow cooking and the beauty of letting simple ingredients speak for themselves. Give it a try; I promise you won't regret it!
