Fennel & Pork Stew
This meltingly tender pork shoulder ragout has a savory broth that's full of fennel. White wine gives the stew a bright edge of acidity.
Ingredients
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8 cups thinly sliced fennel (2-3 medium bulbs), plus 1/4 cup chopped fronds
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1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
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2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks
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1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
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1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground pepper, divided
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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¾ cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
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2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
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1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained
Description
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Spread fennel and onion in an even layer in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate fennel fronds.
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Sprinkle pork with 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add about half the pork and cook until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining oil and pork. Add wine to the pan and scrape up any browned bits; remove from the heat.
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Sprinkle garlic, rosemary, oregano and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper over the pork. Top with the drained tomatoes and pour in the wine from the skillet.
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Cover and cook for 5 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low. Stir the stew well to combine; serve garnished with the reserved fronds.