Braised Pork with Tomatillos

Braised Pork with Tomatillos is a mouthwatering dish that promises to delight the taste buds with its tender and flavorful pork complemented by the bright tangy flavor of tomatillos. This delectable recipe comes from the kitchen of Matthew Lawrence in Vashon, Washington, and is a surefire way to make people crave for more.

The star of this dish is the bone-in pork shoulder roast, seasoned with coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper, resulting in a succulent and aromatic piece of meat. The addition of tomatillos, chopped onions, and garlic adds a refreshing twist, infusing the dish with a hint of tangy and herbal flavors.

Braising the pork in white wine and chicken broth for several hours ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and full of savory goodness. For the ultimate enjoyment, Matthew recommends making this dish a day ahead and reheating it to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together.

Served with a side of creamy polenta, this Braised Pork with Tomatillos is a satisfying and comforting Southwestern-inspired meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 bone-in pork shoulder roast (3 to 4 pounds)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 15 tomatillos, husks removed, and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 1 cup white wine
• 8 cups chicken broth

POLENTA:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast coriander and cumin seeds until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from skillet. Crush seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle; set aside.
2. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, brown the roast in oil on all sides. Remove and set aside. Add tomatillos and onion to the pan; saute until tomatillos are tender and lightly charred. Add the garlic and crushed spices; cook 1 minute longer.
3. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from the pan. Stir in broth and return the roast to the pan. Bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 350° for 3 to 3½ hours or until the pork is tender.
4. Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle boil; slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook and stir with a wooden spoon for 15-20 minutes or until the polenta is thickened and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan. Serve with pork.

YIELD: 6 servings

PREP/BAKE TIME: 25 minutes (plus braising time)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Crushing the coriander and cumin seeds releases their aromatic oils and enhances the flavor of the dish.

TIPS:

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the pork shoulder roast in a Southwestern-inspired spice rub before browning it in the Dutch oven.
• Leftover polenta can be chilled and then sliced into rounds, which can be grilled or pan-fried for a tasty side dish in other meals.

Braised Pork with Tomatillos is a delightful Southwestern-inspired dish that brings together the succulence of pork and the tangy brightness of tomatillos. Crafted by Matthew Lawrence from Vashon, Washington, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that will leave your guests craving for more.

The star of this dish is the bone-in pork shoulder roast, seasoned with toasted coriander seeds, cumin seeds, salt, and pepper, creating a delectable and aromatic piece of meat. The addition of sautéed tomatillos, chopped onions, and garlic adds a zesty and herbal twist to the dish, infusing it with a refreshing burst of flavor.

The slow braising process, with white wine and chicken broth, ensures that the pork becomes tender and incredibly flavorful, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.

Served with creamy polenta, this Braised Pork with Tomatillos is a complete and comforting meal that celebrates the vibrant tastes of the Southwest.

Matthew recommends making this dish one day ahead and reheating it for ultimate enjoyment, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.

So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a special meal for your loved ones, Braised Pork with Tomatillos is a surefire way to impress and delight your guests with its tantalizing flavors and tender meat, showcasing the authentic taste of the Southwest.