Enjoy a delectable pork picnic pot roast made with succulent cuts of pork shoulder, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth. This slow-cooked recipe ensures tender and juicy meat that falls apart effortlessly. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special occasion, this pot roast will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (picnic roast)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, and add enough beef or vegetable broth to partially submerge the meat.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Roast the pork for approximately 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Slice or shred the pork, and serve it with the vegetables and cooking juices. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
- Enjoy the delicious and tender pork picnic pot roast with your favorite side dishes.
Interesting Facts
- The pork picnic roast comes from the lower part of the pork shoulder, which contains a good amount of marbling, resulting in a flavorful and juicy pot roast.
- Slow cooking the pork picnic roast allows the connective tissue to break down, resulting in a tender and succulent meat.
- Red wine adds depth of flavor to the pot roast, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Leftover pork picnic pot roast is great for sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes and salads.