Pork with Pork and Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe

This recipe elevates the classic comfort food of pork and beans to a whole new level. By braising pork shoulder with the beans, you create a deeply flavorful, tender dish perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend feast. This isn't your grandma's pork and beans – this is elevated pork and beans.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Pork:
  • 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Beans:
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pork and beans
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is surprisingly simple, focusing on slow cooking to develop maximum flavor.

Step 1: Browning the Pork

1. Season the pork cubes generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps develop a rich crust and enhances the overall flavor. Set the browned pork aside.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combining and Braising

1. Return the browned pork to the pot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, add the pork and beans, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld! Consider 3-4 hours for ultimate tenderness.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

1. Once the pork is cooked through, remove the bay leaf. You can either serve the pork and beans as is, or shred the pork with two forks and stir it back into the beans for a more consistent texture.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad would complement this hearty meal perfectly.

Tips for the Best Pork and Beans

• Use a good quality pork shoulder: The fat in the pork shoulder renders during cooking, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful beans.
• Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more brown sugar for sweetness or more cayenne pepper for heat.
• Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.

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