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Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Semolina Gnocchi

4.3

(21)

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Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Semolina GnocchiElinor Carucci

Timing note: You'll need to start this recipe two days ahead.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 12 first-course servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds 1-inch cubes trimmed pork shoulder (such as boneless pork butt)
1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1/4 pound pancetta (Italian bacon),* chopped
2 cups dry white wine
4 cups whole milk
2 28-ounce cans plum tomatoes in juice, pureed with juice in blender in batches until smooth

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place pork in large bowl. Mix 1 tablespoon coarse salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Sprinkle salt mixture over pork, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and chill overnight.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 2 minutes, whisking often (do not allow roux to brown). Remove from heat; cover and let stand until ready to use.

    Step 3

    Using on/off turns, blend onion, carrot, and celery in processor until finely chopped. Cook pancetta in large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat until beginning to brown and fat is rendered, about 6 minutes. Add vegetables to pot and sauté until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add pork and sauté until brown, about 7 minutes. Add wine and bring to boil, stirring up browned bits. Add milk and bring to simmer. Add tomato puree, then whisk in roux. Simmer 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.

    Step 4

    Cover pot. Place in oven and braise pork until very tender, about 2 hours. Uncover; let pork cool briefly. Chill pork, uncovered, until cold, then cover and chill overnight.

    Step 5

    Rewarm pork over low heat, stirring often. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 6

    Place 1 gnocchi square in center of each plate. Top with pork and sauce.

  2. Step 7

    • An Italian bacon cured in salt; available in the refrigerated deli case of many supermarkets and at Italian markets.
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