Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Onion Purée and Potatoes Recipe

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The Art of Slow Cooking: A Culinary Journey

Slow cooking is an art that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful feast. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully over time. The result is tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

When it comes to pork, slow cooking is particularly effective. The long cooking time breaks down tough fibers, resulting in a succulent dish. Moreover, the addition of aromatic ingredients enhances the overall flavor profile.

In this article, we will explore a delicious slow-cooked pork recipe. We will also discuss the perfect wine pairings to elevate your dining experience. So, let’s dive into the world of culinary delights!

Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish

To create a memorable slow-cooked pork dish, you need quality ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need for four servings:

• For the Pork Shoulder and Its Juices:

  • 1 kg pork shoulder
  • 2 yellow onions
  • 1 large carrot
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • Veal stock
  • 100 ml red wine
  • Thyme and rosemary

• For the Onion Purée:

  • 800 g onions
  • Olive or grape seed oil
  • 250 ml béchamel sauce
  • 50 ml fresh cream
  • Salt and pepper

• For the Garnish:

  • 300 g potatoes
  • 2 onions
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • Thyme
  • Olive oil

These ingredients will create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Step-by-Step Preparation

The Day Before

Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Heat some butter in a pan and sear the pork until golden brown. This step adds depth to the flavor. Once browned, set the meat aside.

In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, garlic, and diced carrot until caramelized. Deglaze the pan with red wine, allowing it to reduce for a few minutes.

Next, place the pork in a Dutch oven. Add the sautéed mixture and cover with veal stock. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and bake at 150°C for about five hours. Check the liquid level after three hours, adding water if necessary.

The Day Of

On the day of serving, prepare the potatoes. Preheat your oven to 190°C. In a baking dish, combine potatoes, garlic cloves, onions, and thyme. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for about one hour.

After an hour, open the Dutch oven and strain the juices. Keep the juices warm for serving.

Now, prepare the onion purée. Peel and slice the onions, then sauté them in oil until lightly caramelized. Add the béchamel sauce and season. Pass the mixture through a food mill and stir in the cream. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Plating the Dish

To serve, slice the pork shoulder into thick pieces. Place one slice in the center of each plate. Add two spoonfuls of onion purée, a few roasted potatoes, and one or two cloves of confit garlic. Drizzle the warm juices over the dish. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Perfect Wine Pairings

Choosing the right wine can elevate your meal. For this slow-cooked pork dish, consider the following options:

• Loire Valley Reds: Saumur-Champigny, Bourgueil, Touraine, or Chinon.
• Burgundy Reds: Rully or Mercurey.
• Beaujolais Cru: Morgon.
• Côtes-du-Rhône: A classic choice that complements the dish beautifully.

These wines offer fruity notes and fine tannins, enhancing the flavors of the pork.

Conclusion: A Culinary Experience to Remember

Slow cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. The aromas that fill your kitchen create anticipation. The process allows you to connect with the ingredients and the meal you are preparing.

This slow-cooked pork dish is perfect for gatherings or special occasions. It showcases the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

So, gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the art of slow cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!

Photo by Miro Vrlik on Unsplash

Source: Idealwine – Recette – échine de porc confite, purée d’oignon et pommes de terre