Brasato di Maiale For a Festive Dinner Party

SERVES 6

14-pound boneless pork shoulder roast, rolled and tied n Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin oliveoil

2 medium onions, chopped

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 celery rib, choppedn 4 garlic cloves, chopped n 2 3-inch sprigs rosemary

1 cup dry whitewinen 1 cup water


Brasato di maiale (pork stew) is a perfect choice for a din­ner party. It is easy to prepare and can even be made ahead and reheated. Serve it with white beans, polenta, or mashed potatoes and sautéed kale or broccoli and a good bottle of red wine, such as Aglianico. For dessert, an apple tart would be my choice.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pork and cook, turn­ing it occasionally, about 15 minutes. When the meat is al­most complete­ly browned, add the onions, carrots and cel­ery. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes more. Stir in the gar­lic, rosemary, white wine and water. Bring the liquid to a simmer, scrap­ing the bottom of the pan. Cover the pot and place it in the oven.

Cook the roast 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until the meat feels tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the pork and let it rest on a platter cov­ered with foil. Strain the pan juices into a saucepan. Skim off the fat and bring the pan juices to a simmer. Carve the pork and serve it with the sauce.

For more information about cooking, go to michelescicolone.com