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Hot Slow-Roasted Pork, Onion, and Mozzarella Sandwiches

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Hot Slow-Roasted Pork, Onion, and Mozzarella SandwichesEmily Nathan

Slices of succulent pork, a sauce made from the pan juices, sautéed onions and peppers, and cheese add up to the perfect halftime sandwich.

Do-ahead tip:

The pork, sauce, and vegetables can be made one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate everything separately. Before serving, reheat pork, covered, in 350°F oven about 40 minutes; rewarm sauce and vegetables over medium heat.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 10 servings

Ingredients

Pork

4 large garlic cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, ground in mortar with pestle or spice grinder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 9-pound whole pork shoulder with bone
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Vegetables

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound onions, halved, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 pound red bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1/2 pound green bell peppers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
10 crusty rolls, split, toasted
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. For pork:

    Step 1

    Chop garlic on work surface. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and mince until paste forms. Transfer paste to small bowl; mix in parsley and next 7 ingredients. Using small sharp knife, make 20 evenly spaced 1-inch-long, 2-inch-deep slits in pork. Stuff seasoning mixture into slits. Sprinkle outside of pork with salt and pepper. Let stand 1 hour for seasonings to penetrate.

    Step 2

    Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Place rack in large roasting pan; place pork on rack. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 170°F, about 4 1/2 hours. Let pork rest 30 minutes. Transfer to work surface. Maintain oven temperature; reserve roasting pan.

    Step 3

    Thickly slice pork off bone. Coarsely chop or tear slices and place in large baking dish; cover with foil. Pour juices from roasting pan into 4-cup measuring cup. Spoon off fat. If necessary, add enough water to degreased juices to measure 2 cups. Stir 2 tablespoons juices and cornstarch in small saucepan until cornstarch dissolves; whisk in remaining juices and vinegar. Whisk over medium heat until sauce boils and thickens, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  2. For vegetables:

    Step 4

    Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and all peppers; sauté until vegetables are tender and brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    Step 5

    Arrange roll bottoms on work surface; mound with warm pork and drizzle with sauce. Cover with cheese, vegetables, and roll tops. Serve warm.

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