Especially Yummy Shredded Pork Spaghetti

This shredded pork spaghetti is comfort in a bowl—tender, slow-braised pork meets a rich, flavorful sauce of tomatoes, wine, and aromatic vegetables. Sweet onions, peppers, fennel, and carrots add depth and texture, while a touch of herbs and red wine elevates every bite. Perfect with pasta, crusty bread, and your favorite glass of red, it’s a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and unforgettable.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds pork loin (I use center cut, white meat only w/fat cut off)

1 sweet Hawaiian onion, julienned

¼ cup EVOO

1 large, sweet bell pepper (red, orange, and/or yellow), julienned

¾ cup fresh fennel, julienned (or dry ground fennel)

¾ cup shredded carrots

2 cans diced tomatoes (or 1 can + 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes)

4-5 garlic cloves

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons herb’s de Provence or Italian spices

3-4 cubes beef bouillon (I use OXOs)

1 cup red wine

Directions:

In a Dutch Oven, braise the meat and sauté the onion and peppers… add the garlic, spices, bouillon, and the tomatoes and sauté until the tomatoes burst… then add the can of diced tomatoes and red wine. Heat through and simmer on the stovetop for 1 hour.

Next step:

Ingredients if needed/wanted

1 (more) cup dry red wine

1 - 6 oz. can tomato paste

*** After simmering for 1 hour, add the additional red wine and tomato paste (from above).

*** Stir, heat through, and then move to the oven and continue to cook for an additional 2 -3 hours at 350º until the meat is starting to fall apart and can be shredded. (check occasionally and if needed, add more wine, diced tomatoes, beef broth, or even water to add moisture and to avoid burning.

*** Once finished, smash the pork with a potato masher or other item, or shred with a fork.

***if needed, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to enhance the flavor.

Serve over the pasta of your choice (al dente) or polenta.  Goes great with some oven fresh sourdough garlic parmesan bread, and your favorite glass of red!

***Alternate methodInstant Pot. Sauté vegetables and meat in instant pot…add tomatoes, spices, and wine and pressure cook for 40 minutes + 15 minutes cool down period.  When finished, shred the meat, and add the tomato paste until thickened to your liking.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Buon Appetito!