CHEF JOHN'S PUMPKIN-BRAISED PORK

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Chef John's Pumpkin-Braised Pork image

You'll see this titled 'Pig in a Pumpkin' on the blog even though we're not using a whole pig, we're using a whole pumpkin! If you're looking for a fun, and very seasonably appropriate way to cook some pork shoulder, I can't think of a better, or more beautiful one, which is why I really hope you give this a try soon. Season the pork any way you want. I plated mine up with buttery mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork     Pork Shoulder Recipes

Time 12h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
⅓ cup thinly sliced shallots
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 volleyball-sized sugar pumpkin
2 cups hard apple cider, or more as needed

Steps:

  • Cut pork into large chunks. Place in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, fennel seeds, rosemary, and shallots. Mix thoroughly and cover pork with parchment paper. Refrigerate to let flavors develop, 8 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Add flour to pork and mix to coat. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork in 2 batches until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
  • Insert the tip of a knife at a 45-degree angle into the top half of the pumpkin. Slowly cut all the way around to remove the 'lid'. Scrape seeds and fibers off the bottom of the lid and inside of the pumpkin using a large spoon or ice cream scoop.
  • Line the bottom of a baking pan with parchment paper and place pumpkin on top. Stuff the pumpkin with the browned pork; pour in cider. Cover with the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until pork is very tender, about 4 hours. Pour in a little more cider after a few hours in the oven, since a lot of it evaporates. Remove from the oven and let rest; brush pumpkin with some of the rendered fat from the bottom of the pan.
  • Scoop pork onto serving plates and cut out pieces of pumpkin to serve alongside. Combine remaining rendered fat with cooking liquid from inside the pumpkin. Let sauce rest for a few minutes so you can skim off most of the fat. Spoon sauce over the pork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.2 calories, Carbohydrate 29.3 g, Cholesterol 62.5 mg, Fat 16.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 20.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 631.9 mg, Sugar 8.2 g

Cynthia Chiamaka
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I don't recommend this recipe.


ZueRobot 509
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This recipe was a fail for me. The pork was tough and the sauce was too thick.


Omar Maher
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The dish was a little bland for my taste. I would add more spices next time.


Mk Brand
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I found that the pork was a little dry. I think I would add more liquid to the braising liquid next time.


Terry Ware
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This dish was a little too sweet for my taste, but I think that's just a personal preference. The pork was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious.


Md taher Islam
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I'm not a big fan of pumpkin, but I really enjoyed this dish. The pumpkin flavor was subtle and not overpowering.


Travis Stinson
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I made this dish in my slow cooker and it turned out great. The pork was fall-apart tender and the sauce was thick and flavorful.


Gulfam ul haq
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This dish is perfect for a fall meal. The pumpkin and spices give it a warm and cozy flavor.


Shahid Shosho
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I love the combination of pumpkin and pork in this dish. The pumpkin adds a sweetness that balances out the savory pork.


Ateeq Pasha Shariff
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I'm always looking for new pork recipes and this one didn't disappoint. The pumpkin braised pork was tender and flavorful, and the sauce was rich and savory.


Daemmy Pro
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This dish was easy to make and the results were impressive. The pork was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious.


Lady k Lady k
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I made this dish for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone wanted the recipe.


sayedul islam
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I'm not usually a fan of pumpkin, but this dish changed my mind. The pumpkin flavor was subtle and not overpowering, and it really complemented the pork.


Josefa Voladamu
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This recipe is a keeper! The pork was fall-off-the-bone tender and the pumpkin added a nice sweetness. I will definitely be making this again.


Md Munna Hasan
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I've made this dish several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.


mdkamal hossan
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I made this dish for my picky kids and they loved it! That's a win in my book!


Sierra Blankenship
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This dish was a hit at my dinner party! Everyone raved about how tender the pork was and how delicious the sauce was.


Wayne Tobayiwa (Toby Wayne 10)
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I followed the recipe exactly and the dish turned out amazing. My family loved it and I'm sure I'll be making it again soon!


Nusri Nusri
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This pumpkin braised pork dish was an absolute delight! The pork was tender and flavorful, and the pumpkin added a delicious sweetness. The sauce was rich and savory, and the whole dish came together perfectly. I will definitely be making this again!