Chunky Pork Shoulder Ragu

Recipe by: Michele Scicolone | from The Italian Slow Cooker

Cookstr

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

The pork shoulder roast practically melts into this flavorful sauce. A hearty pasta like rigatoni is the perfect choice, and the ragu is also good on polenta.

Yield: Makes about 10 cups

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast, rolled and tied
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 28-ounce can tomato puree
1 28-ounce can Italian peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
Salt
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat to a large slow cooker.

Add the onion and fennel seeds to the skillet and cook until the onion is tender and golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, sage, and rosemary. Add the tomato puree, tomatoes, and a pinch of salt and stir well. Pour the sauce into the slow cooker. Add the crushed red pepper. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the pork is very tender.

Remove the meat to a cutting board but leave the sauce in the slow cooker with the heat on. With two forks, tear the pork into bite-size pieces. Return the pork to the cooker to reheat. Stir in the basil.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Nutritional information is based on 20 servings and includes 1 teaspoon of added salt.

Calories 95kcal (5%)

Calcium 28mg (3%)

Vitamin C 9mg (14%)

Vitamin A 16mcg RAE (1%)

Potassium 437mg

Magnesium 26mg

Protein 11g

Sugar 3g

Fiber 1g