A Slow Cookin Sunday

Your’re in the mood for a appetizing feast but you don’t really feel like cooking? Short of pulling out your slow cooker, this is the recipe for you.

Published in Bon Appetit, this recipe is from Chef Marc Vetri’s menu at his Philadelphia restaurant Alla Spina.

Pop a pork shoulder into the oven and let it go while you take in a Bear’s game (a dramatic 23-22 comeback ) or an Audrey Hepburn movie marathon (wake me up for Breakfast at Tiffany's).

The result?

A beautiful roast that’s glazed to perfection. In fact, it’s so good, don’t count on having a single leftover for sandwiches on Monday.

Bon Appetit!

Slow Roasted Glazed Pork Shoulder

1teaspoonfennel seeds

1 teaspoonwhole black peppercorns
1/4cup kosher salt plus more
¼ cup sugar
1 7 lb. skinless bone-in pork shoulder (Boston butt or picnic)
¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
¼ cup(packed) light brown sugar
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large carrot
1 apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
4 cups stemmed mustard greens
1 tablespoon olive oil

Crush fennel seeds and peppercorns with the bottom of a heavy skillet, or use a mortar and pestle. Transfer spices to a small bowl; add 1/4 cup salt and sugar. Rub mixture all over shoulder. Place in a large glass baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.

Preheat oven to 325°. Brush off spice rub from meat and place pork in a deep roasting pan; discard excess spice rub and any liquid in dish. Add 1 cup boiling water to roasting pan; cover pan tightly with foil. (Create a tight seal to lock in the steam and juices.)

Transfer pan to oven and roast until meat is very tender and falling off the bone (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center without touching the bone will read 195°), about 5 hours.

Remove pan from oven; discard foil. Increase heat to 500°. Stir 1/4 cup vinegar and brown sugar into juices in pan. Return to oven and roast, watching closely to prevent burning, until pork is browned and liquid begins to reduce, about 12 minutes.

Transfer pork to a rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Pour liquid in pan into a small saucepan. Bring liquid to a boil and cook, occasionally spooning off fat from surface, until a thick, syrupy glaze forms, about 10 minutes (there will be about 1 1/2 cups glaze and up to 1 cup fat; discard fat). Season glaze with salt and pepper; set aside.

Using a peeler, peel carrot into thin ribbons. Core, quarter, and thinly slice apple. Mix carrot, apple, greens, oil, and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange on a platter. Top with pork; pour reserved glaze over pork. Serve with tongs.