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Braised-Pork Hash

This braised pork, absolutely falling apart from its lengthy cooking, would be a hit at any time of day. "Spoon it over creamy stone-ground grits or a hot, split spoon-bread muffin," Peacock suggests.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    6 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

1

(5- to 6-pound) pork shoulder (preferably with bone and skin)

1

1/2 teaspoons dried thyme

2

garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthwise

8

Turkish bay leaves (or 4 California bay leaves, halved)

2

medium onions, halved lengthwise and thickly sliced

3

cups dry white wine

1

tablespoon unsalted butter

3

tablespoons all-purpose flour

Equipment: a 6- to 8-qt heavy nonreactive pot with a lid

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 325°F with rack in middle.

    Step 2

    Cut 8 deep slits randomly over top and sides of pork with a paring knife. Sprinkle a little thyme and a little pepper into slits, then insert a slice of garlic and a bay leaf into each.

    Step 3

    Sprinkle any remaining thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper over pork, then put in pot. Scatter onions and any leftover garlic around meat.

    Step 4

    Add wine and bring to a boil. Cover with a sheet of parchment paper, then lid, and braise in oven until meat is very tender, 4 to 5 hours.

    Step 5

    Cool, partially covered, about 30 minutes, then transfer meat to a platter and cool completely. Strain braising liquid through a sieve into a bowl and reserve onions. Skim off fat from braising liquid. If you have more than 2 cups liquid, simmer gently in pot until reduced. If less, add chicken broth or water.

    Step 6

    Once pork is cool, discard bay leaves. If pork has skin, peel off and reserve. Trim excess fat from pork and remove meat from bone. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and return to pot, then add onions.

    Step 7

    Bring braising liquid to a simmer in a small saucepan and keep hot, covered.

    Step 8

    Heat butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet until foaming, then stir in flour and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until light to medium brown, about 2 minutes.

    Step 9

    Remove from heat and slowly whisk in hot braising liquid, then bring to a simmer, whisking, and simmer, skimming foam, 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Reheat meat and onions in enough sauce to coat (about 1 cup) over low heat (hash should not be soupy). Serve remaining sauce on the side.