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Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork is a succulent and flavorful dish where pork shoulder is slow-cooked in milk, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, caramelized sauce. With herbs like sage, lemon peel, and garlic, this dish offers an aromatic experience and a savory, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the pork.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (cut into two 2-lb pieces)
6 cups whole milk
2 tbsp fresh parsley (very finely chopped)
2 bunches fresh sage
4 strips lemon peel
1 whole chile de arbol (or ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 head garlic (cut in half crosswise)
2 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Season the Pork: Season the pork shoulder pieces generously with 2 tsp kosher salt. Let the pork sit at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight and bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Sear the Pork: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the halved garlic and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute, then transfer to a plate. Add the pork to the pot and sear on all sides until golden brown (3-5 minutes per side).
Add the Liquid and Herbs: Return the garlic to the pot with the pork. Add 6 cups of whole milk, sage, chile de arbol (or crushed red pepper flakes), and lemon peel strips.
Braise in the Oven: Transfer the pot to the preheated oven, uncovered. Turn the pork every 30 minutes for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is very tender and the milk has reduced and formed curds.
Rest the Pork: Remove the pot from the oven and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Let the pork rest for 15 minutes.
Skim the Sauce: Skim the fat from the braising liquid and discard the sage and lemon peel. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Serve: Slice the pork and place on a platter. Spoon the sauce over the pork and top with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Serve with the roasted garlic on the side.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 532 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 30g
Protein: 53g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 900mg
Potassium: 650mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 13g

This delicious, slow-cooked pork dish combines savory, creamy flavors with tender pork, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner.

The Art of Braising: Why Milk?

The technique of braising pork in milk may seem unusual at first, but it is a classic Italian method that yields exceptional results. As the pork shoulder slowly cooks in milk, the liquid breaks down the tough fibers of the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The milk also transforms into a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the rich pork. This slow cooking process allows the milk to reduce, caramelizing and creating small curds that add both texture and depth to the sauce.

Additionally, the natural fats in the milk help keep the pork moist and tender throughout the cooking process, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and succulent. The curds formed during braising contribute to the dish’s creaminess and savory notes, making every bite rich and comforting.

Aromatic Ingredients That Elevate the Dish

The beauty of this dish lies not only in the cooking method but also in the aromatic ingredients that infuse the pork as it braises. The fresh herbs—sage and parsley—offer an earthy, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the pork. Sage, in particular, has a bold flavor that stands up to the richness of the pork shoulder and infuses the milk with an aromatic essence that enhances the sauce.

The strips of lemon peel introduce a zesty citrus note, which helps balance the heaviness of the milk and pork. Lemon peel provides a bright contrast to the deep, savory flavors, refreshing the palate with every bite. Adding chile de arbol or crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a touch of heat, which cuts through the richness and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile. The gentle heat also contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory sauce, adding a level of depth to the dish.

Finally, the halved garlic, cooked until golden brown, imparts a subtle sweetness and depth, further enhancing the sauce and bringing everything together.

How to Make Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork

Making Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork involves a few simple steps, but the slow-cooked process allows for rich and unforgettable flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Season the Pork: Start by seasoning the pork shoulder generously with kosher salt. Let the pork sit at room temperature for at least an hour or refrigerate it overnight for more intense flavor. This resting time allows the salt to penetrate the meat, ensuring that every bite is seasoned evenly.
Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the halved garlic to the pot, cooking until golden brown. Then, sear the pork shoulder pieces on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior on the meat.
Add the Liquid and Herbs: Return the garlic to the pot with the seared pork, and then pour in the whole milk. Add the fresh sage, chile de arbol (or crushed red pepper flakes), and strips of lemon peel. The milk will begin to interact with the pork and herbs, creating the foundation for the rich sauce that will form during braising.
Braise in the Oven: Transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Let the pork braise uncovered for 2.5-3 hours, turning the meat every 30 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the milk and herbs while becoming incredibly tender.
Rest the Pork: Once the pork is tender and the milk has reduced, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes. Resting the meat is important, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist, flavorful roast.
Skim the Sauce: Skim off the fat from the braising liquid and discard the sage and lemon peel. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. The resulting sauce should be thick, creamy, and perfectly balanced between savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Serve: Slice the pork and place it on a platter, spooning the rich, caramelized sauce over the meat. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for an added burst of flavor. Serve with roasted garlic on the side for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions for Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas for complementing the rich flavors of the pork:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are an ideal side to absorb the delicious sauce from the pork. Their smooth, velvety texture contrasts nicely with the tender meat.
Polenta: Soft, creamy polenta would be a wonderful base for the pork, soaking up the rich braising liquid and providing a comforting side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, or root vegetables pair well with the rich pork and help balance out the heaviness of the meat.
Sautéed Greens: A side of sautéed spinach or kale would provide a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy, rich pork.
Crusty Bread: A slice of hearty, crusty bread can be perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce, ensuring no part of this dish goes to waste.

The Appeal of Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork

Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork is the perfect example of how simple ingredients and a slow-cooking technique can yield an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. The pork becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, while the milk-based sauce envelops the meat with a creamy, savory richness. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon peel infuses the dish with aromatic flavors that make every bite a sensory delight.

This dish is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. While the cooking process may take several hours, the hands-on time is minimal, making it a great choice for busy cooks who want a show-stopping dish without much fuss.

Conclusion: A Rich and Savory Delight

Tender Italian Milk-Braised Pork is a truly indulgent dish that brings together melt-in-your-mouth pork, a rich, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs. The slow-cooking method ensures that the pork becomes incredibly tender, while the milk transforms into a luscious sauce that complements the meat beautifully. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that will delight your senses and leave you craving more.

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