Malbec-Braised Pork Shoulder with Creamy Corn and Scallion Stew

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325 °F / 165 °C.

2. 2

   Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season it with 6 g salt and black pepper. Dust the surface all over with the all-purpose flour.

3. 3

   Heat an oven-safe pot with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 4 to 5 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring, until the onion turns translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and sweet paprika, and cook 1 minute more.

5. 5

   Pour in the Malbec wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits. Cook for 3 minutes so some of the alcohol evaporates. Add the vegetable stock, bay leaves, and fresh thyme.

6. 6

   Return the pork shoulder to the pot. Cover and transfer to the oven at 325 °F / 165 °C for 90 minutes, or until the meat is very tender.

7. 7

   Meanwhile, make the creamy stew. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the white part of the scallions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the diced potato, corn kernels, and 4 g salt.

8. 8

   Add the milk and 120 ml (1/2 cup) water. Cook over medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potato is tender and the corn is cooked.

9. 9

   Lightly mash part of the potato and corn directly in the saucepan to create a creamy texture. Stir in the grated Sardo cheese and the green part of the scallions. Mix until the cheese melts. Adjust salt if needed.

10. 10

    Remove the pork from the oven and transfer it to a board. Discard the bay leaves. Simmer the sauce in the pot over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes uncovered to reduce slightly, then add the red wine vinegar and stir.

11. 11

    Shred or slice the pork into thick pieces. Spoon the creamy corn stew onto each plate, top with the pork, and coat with the Malbec sauce. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a little extra grated Sardo cheese.