Braised Pork With Beer & Juniper Berries Recipe 🍖🍺
Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: Not specified
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of this hearty Braised Pork recipe, infused with the aromatic essence of beer and the subtle hint of juniper berries. While juniper berries are commonly associated with gin, their addition to this dish adds a unique depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this Stove Top creation promises to impress with its succulent pork and savory onion sauce. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 | Boneless pork roast |
| – | Bay leaf |
| 1 tbsp | Flour |
| 2 | Carrots |
| 2 stalks | Celery |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 cups | Dark beer |
| 1 pinch | Cloves |
| 2 sprigs | Fresh thyme |
| 10 | Juniper berries |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork: Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork roast to the pot.
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Sear the Pork: Brown the pork roast on all sides until it develops a golden crust, ensuring to turn it occasionally to ensure even browning. This process helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the meat.
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Prep the Vegetables: While the pork is browning, prepare the vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Set aside until ready to use.
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Coat with Flour: Once the pork is evenly browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Drain off any excess fat, leaving behind a thin layer in the pot. Sprinkle the chopped vegetables with flour, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the browned pork roast to the pot, nestling it among the coated vegetables. Add the bay leaf for aromatic depth.
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Introduce the Beer: Pour the dark beer into the pot, covering the pork and vegetables. The beer not only adds moisture to the dish but also imparts a rich, malty flavor that complements the pork beautifully.
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Season to Perfection: Add a pinch of cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and juniper berries to the pot. These aromatic ingredients will infuse the dish with their unique flavors as it simmers.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the contents of the pot to a rapid boil. This initial burst of heat helps to activate the flavors and kick-start the cooking process.
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Simmer to Perfection: Once the pot reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid. Allow the pork to simmer gently for approximately 1 1/4 hours, or until it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C).
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Final Touches: Once the pork is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the pot and transfer it to a serving platter. Use a spoon to skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce.
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Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking it uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency, approximately 1 cup. For a smoother texture, consider pureeing the sauce using a blender or immersion blender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the braised pork roast into thick slices and serve it alongside the flavorful onion sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of elegance. Pair this delectable dish with your favorite side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles, for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 642.2
- Total Fat: 28.4g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8g
- Cholesterol: 194.9mg
- Sodium: 198.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.4g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 6.9g
- Protein: 67.1g
Tips:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality boneless pork roast and dark beer for the best flavor results.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors tend to develop even further when allowed to sit overnight.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Consider serving this Braised Pork with crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion:
With its tender pork, rich beer-infused sauce, and aromatic blend of herbs and spices, this Braised Pork with Beer & Juniper Berries recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight dinner or served as the centerpiece of a celebratory meal, this dish is bound to impress with its irresistible flavors and comforting appeal. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey that promises to delight your senses and satisfy your appetite! 🍽️🥂
