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Tender Pork Shoulder Braised in Apple Cider

A comforting dish of juicy, tender pork shoulder slowly braised in sweet apple cider, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder Look for well-marbled meat.
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme and rosemary for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by seasoning the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  2. Remove the pork and set aside. In the same pot, add the sliced onion and chopped carrots. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
  4. Return the pork to the pot, ensuring it sits in the liquid. Cover and reduce the heat to low, letting it braise for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. Once cooked, remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve it drizzled with the cooking liquid and garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary.

Notes

To perfect this dish, use quality meat and allow for slow cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.