Pork Roast Braised with Milk and Fresh Herbs (Maiale al Latte )

A tender Italian-style pork shoulder roast slowly braised in milk with aromatic herbs, juniper, and white wine. The milk breaks down during cooking to create rich, flavorful curds and a silky sauce.

8 servings
3 hr 10 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 whole boneless pork shoulder roast
  • 3 whole juniper berries and rosemary sprigs
  • 2 sprigs sage sprigs
  • 1 sprig bay leaves
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 3 cups whole milk

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in a wide 5- to 6-quart ovenproof heavy pot over medium heat until it shimmers, then lightly brown roast on all sides with juniper berries and herbs, 8 to 10 minutes total. Add garlic and sprinkle roast with sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then cook until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Pour wine over roast and briskly simmer until reduced by half. Pour milk over roast and bring to a bare simmer.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Cover pot and braise in oven, turning roast occasionally, until tender (milk will form curds), 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

    150 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer roast to a carving board and loosely cover. Strain juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl (discard solids), reserving pot, and skim off fat. Return juices to pot and boil until flavorful and reduced to about 2 cups. Season with sea salt and pepper. Slice roast and serve moistened with juices.

    20 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes