Pork shoulder in tomato sauce

Pork Shoulder in Tomato Sauce: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a savory recipe: pork shoulder in tomato sauce. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Whether you are a beginner or an expert cook, you will find this recipe easy to follow and full of flavors.

A Bit of History

Pork is a versatile ingredient that has been used in kitchens around the world for centuries. Pork shoulder, in particular, is a part of the meat that becomes extremely tender and juicy when cooked correctly. Tomato sauce adds a touch of acidity and flavor, balancing the richness of the meat. This combination is often found in various traditional dishes, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity to every meal.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg pork shoulder (choose meat with a small amount of fat for a richer taste)
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (about 400 ml)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (for a more intense flavor)
- 50 g butter (for added flavor and creaminess)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Rosemary (fresh is ideal, but dried is a good alternative)
- Paprika (a teaspoon for a splash of color and flavor)

Step by Step: Cooking Pork Shoulder in Tomato Sauce

1. Preparing the Meat: Start by washing the pork shoulder well under cold running water. Cut the meat into pieces of about 4-5 cm. This size will allow for even cooking and help develop the flavors.

2. Initial Boiling: In a large pot, add the pieces of meat and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of salt and place the pot over medium heat. Once the water begins to boil, foam will form, which you need to remove with a skimmer. This step is essential for achieving a cleaner and tastier sauce.

3. Adding Flavors: After skimming the meat, add the can of tomato sauce and the two tablespoons of tomato paste. These will provide a rich and flavorful base for your dish.

4. Seasoning: Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, along with the rosemary (about a teaspoon of fresh chopped rosemary or half a teaspoon of dried rosemary), salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

5. Cooking: Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.

6. Finalizing: After an hour, check if the meat is tender and if the sauce has reduced sufficiently. If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. Add the butter for a creamy taste and a glossy appearance to the sauce.

7. Serving: Pork shoulder in tomato sauce is delicious served hot, alongside sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also add some fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Sides: If you want to add extra flavor, you can serve this dish with garlic butter mashed potatoes or creamy risotto.
- For a spicy taste: You can add half a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Variations: Instead of rosemary, you can use thyme or oregano, depending on your preferences. These herbs will completely change the flavor profile of the dish.

Nutritional Information

This dish has approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the amounts of fat used. Pork shoulder is a good source of protein and contains essential vitamins, such as B12, which helps in the formation of red blood cells. Adding tomatoes provides important antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Make sure not to overcook the chicken to avoid drying it out.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
Pork shoulder in tomato sauce is just as delicious the next day. You can use it in sandwiches or in wraps.

3. How can I enhance the sauce?
Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during cooking can intensify the flavors.

I hope you found this recipe engaging and easy to follow. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share the final result with your loved ones. Bon appétit!