Pork The Italian Way Food

ITALIAN PORK LOIN BRAISED IN MILK

Steps:

• In a large, deep, heavy pan, melt the olive oil and butter on low (do not burn).
• Add the garlic,onion, and pancetta and saute' for a minute or two (still on a low temperature setting).
• Do not trim the fat off of the pork loin.
• Generously (very generously) sprinkle sea salt all over the pork loin.
• Sprinkle black pepper all over the pork loin.
• Place the pork loin in the pan, fat side down and brown it thoroughly on all four sides on a low-temperature setting.
• Do not burn the olive oil and garlic!
• When browned nicely, add the hot milk, hot cream, capers, sage and lemon zest.
• Taste the sauce . . . add more salt to taste preferences.
• Partially cover the pan.
• Simmer on the a low-medium setting on the stove for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, turning the pork loin over occasionally.
• The milk sauce will bubble up, so stir it occasionally.
• Continually pour some of the sauce (baste) over the pork as it simmers.
• The color of the sauce should turn to a golden brown color; if not turn up the heat a little for a few minutes at the end.
• Taste the sauce and add more salt if necessary.
• After cooking time is finished, remove the pork.
• Thickly slice the pork and place it on individual plates.
• Pour the creamy, curdled sauce over the pork.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

PORK BRACIOLE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Lay the tenderloins open and flat on a board in front of you. Season each loin evenly all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Lay 3 slices of provolone on each loin. Divide the breadcrumb mixture over the provolone. Roll the loins back up into their original shape and tie in 4 spots with kitchen twine.
• Heat a medium straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Sear the pork tenderloins until evenly golden brown all the way around, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate to rest. Deglaze the skillet with the white wine and add the marinara sauce. Nestle the pork back in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer until the pork is just cooked through and registers 145 degrees F on an instead-read thermometer, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to rest uncovered for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the sauce.

ITALIAN-STYLE ROAST PORK WITH CRISPY CRACKLING

Steps:

• Pound the garlic, bay, pepper, 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tbsp of the fennel seeds using a pestle and mortar, then stir in 1 tbsp oil. Place the pork, skin-side up, in a clean sink and pour over a kettleful of boiling water (this tightens the skin - the first step towards great crackling). Drain, pat dry and place, skin-side down, on a chopping board. Rub the garlicky paste all over it, then roll up the loin and tie it at intervals with kitchen string. Arrange the onion and lemon in the centre of a roasting tin and sit the pork on top, skin-side up. Rub the rind with the remaining salt and leave at room temperature, uncovered, for 1 hr.
• Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Rub the skin of the pork with the remaining oil. Lightly crush the remaining fennel seeds and scatter over the meat. Roast for 30 mins, then turn the heat down to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and continue to roast for 1 hr 20 mins. Remove the pork, cover loosely and leave to rest for 30 mins. If your crackling isn't crisp, pop the joint under a hot grill for a few mins, but watch it as it will burn very easily.
• Meanwhile, make the gravy. Tip away all but 1 tbsp of fat from the tin and put on the hob. Add the flour and mix with the onion and lemon, scraping any bits from the bottom. Pour in the Marsala and let it bubble, then gradually add the stock and any of the resting juices, and simmer gently for 8-10 mins. Season, if needed, and strain through a sieve before serving.

ITALIAN PULLED PORK

Steps:

• Toast fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Using a sharp knife, score fat (but not meat) on pork in a diamond pattern. Pulse herbs, garlic, and fennel seeds in a food processor until combined. Slowly add oil and continue pulsing until a thick paste forms. Stir in 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon pepper, chile pepper, and lemon zest; rub mixture all over pork.
• Place pork, fat-side up, in a roasting pan or a large Dutch oven; add 1 1/2 cups water. Cover and roast until meat is starting to become tender, about 3 hours. Remove lid and continue cooking until meat is fork-tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. Carefully transfer pork to a large bowl, leaving juices in pan. When cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred meat into bite-size pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Transfer shredded pork back to pot and toss with juices. Serve on rolls with extra pan juices, topped with shaved fennel.

ITALIAN PORK STEW

Steps:

• Place flour in a shallow dish. Add pork, a few pieces at a time, and turn to coat. In a Dutch oven, brown pork in 3 tablespoons oil in batches. Remove and keep warm., In the same pan, saute onion in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomatoes, wine, bay leaves, cinnamon, tomato paste, vinegar, anchovy paste, herbs, salt, pepper flakes, pepper and pork; bring to a boil., Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley. Cover and cook 30-40 minutes longer or until meat is tender. Skim fat; discard bay leaves and cinnamon stick., Serve with pasta; sprinkle with cheese. Freeze option: Place individual portions of cooled stew in freezer containers and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary.