Pork Rillettes is a classic French dish made from slowly cooked, tender, and flavorful pork that's shredded and combined with its own cooking fat. It's a delicious spread or topping for bread, crackers, or even used as a filling for sandwiches. While it takes some time to prepare, the result is well worth the effort, delivering a rich and savory treat.
1.5 pounds (680g) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 pound (225g) pork fatback, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups pork lard (or duck fat if preferred)
Join me and let's see how to make Pork Rilletes
Instructions:
Step 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the cubed pork shoulder, pork fatback, minced garlic, minced shallot, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
Step 2
Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Pour the dry white wine over the ingredients in the pot and mix well.
Step 4
Cover the pot and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld.
Step 5
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Step 6
Remove the pot from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Cook, covered, for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until the pork is very tender and easily falls apart when shredded with a fork.
Step 7
Remove the bay leaf from the mixture and discard it.
Step 8
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked pork and fatback pieces to a large bowl, leaving any liquid in the pot.
Step 9
Using two forks or a potato masher, shred the pork and fatback pieces until they are well broken down into smaller, thread-like pieces.
Step 10
Carefully pour the hot cooking fat (pork lard) from the pot over the shredded pork until it's completely covered. This creates a seal that preserves the rillettes.
Step 11
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 12
Once cooled, pack the rillettes into jars or ramekins, ensuring there are no air pockets, and smooth the top. Seal the containers with lids or plastic wrap.
Step 13
Refrigerate the pork rillettes for at least 2 hours, or until they firm up.
Step 14
Serve the pork rillettes chilled, spreading them on slices of crusty bread or crackers, or use them as a delicious filling for sandwiches.
Step 15
Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of homemade Pork Rillettes!
Step 16
Note: The rillettes can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, and the flavor often improves with time. Be sure to keep them covered with the cooking fat to prevent drying out.