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Cooking offers a unique opportunity to explore culinary creativity, particularly through the art of slow-cooked dishes. One notable option is braised pork collar, renowned for its rich flavor and tender texture. This recipe not only highlights the succulent qualities of the pork but also demonstrates the versatility of marinades and brines, resulting in an impressive dish suitable for any occasion.
This guide outlines the steps to prepare this delightful meal, from the initial brining to the finishing touches of the sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or special events, this dish serves 4 to 6 people and can be made with either pork collar or pork shoulder as a substitute.
Preparing the pork collar
Begin by gathering the necessary ingredients. You will need a 3-pound pork collar, thoroughly thawed, along with 1½ quarts of cold chicken brine and 1¼ cups of your preferred pork marinade. The brining process is crucial as it enhances both moisture and flavor in the meat.
Step 1: Brining
Place the pork collar in a large container, ensuring it is completely submerged in the chicken brine. If necessary, use a weight to keep the meat fully submerged. Refrigerate for approximately six hours. This step not only adds flavor but also aids in tenderizing the pork.
Step 2: Marinating
After brining, remove the pork from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Transfer the pork into a large zip-top freezer bag, pour in the pork marinade, seal the bag while expelling excess air, and refrigerate for another six hours. This marinating phase infuses the meat with additional flavors, preparing it for cooking.
Cooking the pork
With the pork brined and marinated, it’s time to begin the slow cooking process. Preheat your oven to 165°F, or the lowest available setting, typically around 170°F. Position the sealed bag containing the marinated pork inside a roasting pan to catch any drippings.
Cook the pork for 10 to 12 hours. This extended cooking method is essential as it ensures the meat becomes exceptionally tender and absorbs all the marinade flavors.
Finishing touches
Once the pork has cooked, let it rest at room temperature for about an hour. After resting, place it in the refrigerator until fully chilled. This phase allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Creating the jus
To complete your dish, remove the pork from the bag and strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Simmer this liquid gently, allowing it to reduce by about one-third. This reduction intensifies the flavors, resulting in a rich jus that pairs perfectly with the pork.
Accompanying your pork collar
A delightful side to serve with your braised pork collar is cassoulet-style white beans. These beans add a hearty element to the meal, beautifully complementing the richness of the pork. For this side dish, you will need 1½ pounds of dried white beans, soaked overnight, along with canned diced tomatoes, chicken stock, onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
This guide outlines the steps to prepare this delightful meal, from the initial brining to the finishing touches of the sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or special events, this dish serves 4 to 6 people and can be made with either pork collar or pork shoulder as a substitute.0
This guide outlines the steps to prepare this delightful meal, from the initial brining to the finishing touches of the sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or special events, this dish serves 4 to 6 people and can be made with either pork collar or pork shoulder as a substitute.1