Mexican-Inspired Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Irish Cider-Braised Pork Shoulde

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Irish Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder 

This slow-braised pork shoulder is infused with Irish cider, making it tender, juicy, and full of rich, caramelized flavors. Perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day feast



Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Pork:

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Braising Liquid:

  • 2 cups Irish cider (e.g., Magners, Bulmers, or any dry hard cider)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves

For Serving:

  • Mashed potatoes or Irish soda bread
  • Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, potatoes)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

  1. Pat dry the pork shoulder and season it with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium, then add the chopped onions. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Braise the Pork

  1. Pour in the Irish cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Add chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir well.
  3. Return the seared pork to the pot, making sure it is partially submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Two cooking options:

  • Oven Method: Cover and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5–3 hours.
  • Stovetop Method: Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, turning the pork occasionally.
  1. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and shreds easily.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove the pork and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Shred or slice the pork and drizzle with the reduced cider sauce.
  3. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or soda bread.

Tip: For extra flavor, reduce the braising liquid by simmering it uncovered for 5–10 minutes before serving

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