Pork Braised in Morellino

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 2 pounds boneless, well-marbled pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
3. Salt and freshly ground pepper
4. 4 garlic cloves, smashed
5. 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6. 1 teaspoon ground fennel
7. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
8. 1 1/2 cups dry red wine, preferably Morellino di Scansano
9. 2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
10. 2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 8 ounces)
11. 3/4 cup pitted Gaeta olives
12. 4 thyme sprigs
13. 2 bay leaves
14. 2 rosemary sprigs
15. One 14-ounce can whole plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped, juices reserved

1. In a medium enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until shimmering. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Add half of the pork to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat until browned on 2 sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the pork to a bowl. Repeat with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and the remaining pork.
2. Add the garlic, onion and ground fennel to the casserole and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until glossy, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil. Return the pork to the casserole and add the carrots, olives, thyme, bay leaves, rosemary and the tomatoes with their juices. Cover tightly and simmer over low heat, stirring a few times, until the pork is tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves. Season the stew with salt and pepper and serve.