Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, Italian Pork Shoulder Ragout is the kind of dish that fills both your kitchen with aroma and your table with joy. Slow-simmered with tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs, this recipe highlights rustic Italian cooking at its best—comforting, wholesome, and unforgettable.
đź“ś History & Cultural Significance
Ragout, from the French word ragoûter meaning “to stimulate the appetite,” has strong roots in Italian cuisine. Italian ragù, often tomato-based and simmered for hours, has been a centerpiece of family meals for centuries. Pork, especially shoulder, is prized for its tenderness when slow-cooked, making it perfect for absorbing bold flavors.
In Italian culture, dishes like ragout symbolize togetherness, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Passed down through generations, this type of recipe represents the heart of home cooking—transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
🥗 Health Benefits
At Roots Food Group, we know that delicious meals can also be nourishing. Italian Pork Shoulder Ragout offers:
- Lean Protein – Pork shoulder, when trimmed, provides satisfying protein for energy and muscle health.
- Antioxidant-Rich Vegetables – Onions, carrots, peppers, and tomatoes deliver vitamins A, C, and lycopene.
- Immune-Boosting Garlic – Eight cloves add depth of flavor while supporting immune health.
- Herbal Goodness – Italian seasoning and parsley provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Balanced Comfort Food – With hearty vegetables and slow cooking, this dish is both filling and nutritious.
🍴 Recipe: Italian Pork Shoulder Ragout
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb pork shoulder or pork tenderloin, cut into large pieces
- 1 can tomato paste, 6 oz can
- 1 can crushed tomato, 14.5 oz can
- 8 oz chicken stock
- 1 carrot, cleaned and diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – any color
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. red chili flakes
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsp. of olive oil. When the pan is hot, cook pork on all sides for 3–5 minutes until golden brown on each side. Add chopped onion, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes or until translucent.
Step 2: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes and bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook covered for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Carefully remove pork shoulder from the saucepan and shred with tongs or 2 forks, then return pork to saucepan. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
đź’ˇ Final Thoughts
Italian Pork Shoulder Ragout is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition, a story of family meals and cultural heritage. It transforms everyday ingredients into a nourishing, comforting dish perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights at home.
👉 Discover more wholesome recipes and medically tailored meals at rootsfoodgroup.com.
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