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Spicy Pork Rillettes with Pickled Vegetable Medley

Prep 20 minutes | Cook 40 minutes | Advanced | Serves 4 | French

This dish marries the nostalgia of French rillettes with a bold, spicy twist, capturing the essence of comfort food while pushing the boundaries of flavor. Slow-cooked pork is shredded and spiced to perfection, served with a vibrant pickled vegetable medley that cuts through the richness with a refreshing crunch.

What you have

• pork shoulder (1.5 lbs)

Method

1. Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the pork shoulder, bay leaves, black peppercorns, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Pour in enough water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the pickled vegetable medley by combining the carrots and radishes in a non-metal bowl. In a saucepan, bring the white vinegar, sugar, and water to a simmer until the sugar dissolves. Pour this over the vegetables, cover, and let pickle while the pork cooks.
4. Step 4: Once the pork is done, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the cooking liquid until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and more spices if needed.
5. Step 5: Serve the rillettes warm in small ramekins topped with the pickled vegetable medley, alongside crusty baguette slices.

Serving suggestion

Crusty French Baguette

A chilled, fruity Grenache rosé complements the spice beautifully.