Pork Conserva with Green Tomato Agrodolce

A sophisticated appetizer featuring tender shredded pork conserva paired with a sweet-and-sour green tomato sauce. The rich pork is balanced by the bright, tangy agrodolce and served atop crispy flatbread crackers.

8 servings
18 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces 1-inch cubes pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 2 ounces finely chopped salt pork (fatty parts only; about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, chopped
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus additional (for brushing)
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups chopped green tomatoes
  • ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
  • 24 pieces flatbread crackers
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mix first 3 ingredients in 9 x 5 x 3-inch glass loaf pan. Cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.

    720 min

  2. 2.

    Preheat oven to 300°F. Uncover pork mixture; mix in wine. Cover tightly with foil. Place in oven; cook until pork is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool to lukewarm. Uncover and mash with potato masher until finely shredded. Cover; refrigerate until cold. DO AHEAD : Can be made 4 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.

    150 min

  3. 3.

    Heat 2 teaspoons oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook until translucent, stirring often, about 6 minutes. Add sugar; cook until juices are thick, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, vinegar, and mustard. Sprinkle with salt, increase heat to high, and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook until tomatoes are tender but not falling apart, stirring often, about 7 minutes. Strain tomatoes in sieve set over medium bowl. Return juices to saucepan and boil until reduced to scant 1/2 cup, about 4 minutes. Mix tomato mixture and reduced juices in same medium bowl. Cover and chill until cold, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 days ahead. Keep chilled.

    240 min

  4. 4.

    Spoon 1 tablespoonful pork conserva on each cracker. Spoon rounded teaspoonful agrodolce on top. Sprinkle with basil.

    15 min

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