INSTANT POT PORK RAGU

 INSTANT POT PORK RAGU WITH POLENTA by CHEF DAN:

Serves 8

Ragu:

2.5-pound Boston Butt boneless pork shoulder, skin & excess fat removed, cut into 3-inch pieces

Salt & pepper to taste

1-tablespoons olive oil

1-onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2-carrots, grated

2-tablespoon tomato paste

1-cup full-bodied red wine

1-(14 Oz) Centro tomatoes

1/2-teaspoon smoked paprika

2-springs EACH fresh rosemary & thyme (wrapped in a bundle)

2-bayleaves

1/4-cup craisins

POLENTA:

1-cup coarse cornmeal

4-cups broth

2-tablespoons butter

1-garlic clove, minced

A-pinch of salt

1/2-cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1-tablespoon EACH fresh thyme & fresh rosemary, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1.    Pat pork shoulder pieces dry and liberally season with salt & pepper.

2.    Heat Instant Pot to SAUTE & when it registers Hot.

3.    Add oil & when sizzling, add pork pieces & brown on all sides, 8-10 minutes.

4.    Transfer pork to a platter & pour off 1 tablespoon fat, leaving brown bits.

5.    Reduce heat to medium-low, and onions & a pinch of salt, sauté for about 4 minutes add garlic, craisins & sauté 2 minutes.

6.    Stir in tomato paste & cook 30 seconds.

7.    Deglaze pot with wine, scraping off the bottom.

8.    Add in the thyme herbs bay leaf & paprika, reduce the liquid by 1/2-.

9.    Add the pork shoulder and any juices back to the Pot.

10. Place lid on and close pressure value & hit PRESSURE COOKER for 30 minutes.

11. Use natural release method & transfer the meat to a cutting board.

12. Tear the meat apart with 2 forks, the add back to pot to combine.

13. Serve over polenta.

POLENTA:

1.    In a saucepan, add broth and salt, bring to a boil.

2.    Reduce heat, whisking in the cornmeal by slowly sprinkling it in.

3.    Once the cornmeal is incorporated into the broth, cover the saucepan.

4.    Simmer 30 minute on low-heat, stirring occasionally.

5.    Add butter, thyme and basil, & parmesan cheese; stir to combine.

ENJOY DAN:                                                       DON’T FORGET TO SHARE!!