Sweet & Savory Barefoot Contessa’s Slow Roasted Spiced Pork Recipe

When Julia Child first tasted slow roasted spiced pork, her culinary world changed forever.

This mouthwatering dish blends tender meat with an irresistible blend of aromatic spices.

Rich, complex flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite.

Mediterranean and North African influences shine through the carefully selected seasonings.

The pork becomes remarkably tender, falling apart with minimal effort.

Subtle hints of cumin, paprika, and garlic weave magic into every layer of meat.

You’ll find this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Pork Shoulder: Select a well-marbled cut for rich, succulent flavor, ensuring consistent tenderness throughout cooking.
• White Wine: Adds depth and helps tenderize the meat, creating a luxurious braising liquid.

• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent undertones that enhance overall meat complexity.
• Onion: Contributes sweet, aromatic foundation to the flavor profile.
• Jalapeño: Introduces vibrant, subtle heat and fresh pepper sensation.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy notes characteristic of traditional Latin cuisine.
• Chile Powder: Brings bold, smoky warmth and depth to the spice mixture.
• Dried Oregano: Offers herbaceous, slightly peppery background flavor.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth binding agent for spice paste and helps distribute flavors.
• Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming complexity to the spice blend.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavor components.
• Lime: Delivers fresh, zesty citrus accent for serving.

Equipment Needed for Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Food Processor: Essential for blending spices and creating a smooth, flavorful paste.
• Large Roasting Pan: Crucial for slow-roasting the pork and catching all those delicious wine juices.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for scoring the fat and making precise cuts in the pork.
• Oven Thermometer: Helps ensure accurate temperature for perfect slow roasting.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients and slicing the cooked pork.
• Measuring Cups: Important for precise wine and ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the pork during roasting and resting.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and transferring the roasted pork.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Oven Preparation and Pork Selection

Select a high-quality pork roast with good marbling. Warm the oven to a gentle temperature suitable for slow cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.

• Flavor Base Creation

Gather fresh herbs and spices to develop a robust seasoning blend. Chop ingredients finely to release their aromatic essential oils and create a harmonious flavor profile.

• Pork Massage

Generously coat the meat with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Place the seasoned roast in a deep cooking vessel with a splash of liquid for moisture retention.

• Slow Cooking Journey

Allow the pork to transform slowly, developing deep flavors and becoming incredibly tender. Monitor the cooking process periodically, adding liquid as needed to prevent drying.

• Resting and Presentation

Remove the roast from the oven and let it relax, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and arrange on a warm serving platter, garnishing with fresh citrus for brightness.

Tips to Improve Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Unlock the secrets to perfect slow-roasted pork with these game-changing tips and mouthwatering variations.
• Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder or butt with a generous fat cap for maximum flavor and tenderness. Trim excess fat if needed, but keep some for that irresistible crispy exterior.
• Customize the spice paste by experimenting with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, coriander, or fresh thyme. Adjust heat levels by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your taste buds.
• Swap red wine with robust alternatives like dark beer, chicken stock, or orange juice for unique depth of flavor. The liquid helps keep the meat incredibly moist and adds subtle complexity to the dish.
• Transform leftovers into pulled pork tacos, sandwiches, or top crispy nachos. Shred the meat while it's still warm for maximum flavor absorption and tender texture.

Serving Options for Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Pair with Zesty Sides: Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the rich, spicy pork flavors.
• Create a Taco Feast: Shred the tender meat and set up a DIY taco bar with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole for a fun, interactive meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Top the sliced pork with chopped fresh cilantro, pickled red onions, and a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish and add vibrant layers of flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Enjoy with a bold red wine like Malbec or Syrah that can stand up to the robust spices and tender meat.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pork in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Slice or shred cooled pork and freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pork in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
• Transform Leftovers: Repurpose cold pork into tacos, sandwiches, salads, or quick stir-fries for easy next-day meals that taste just as delicious.

Succulent Barefoot Contessa Slow Roasted Spiced Pork Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s slow roasted spiced pork delivers rich, complex flavors from carefully selected Mediterranean ingredients. Succulent meat promises a delightful culinary experience you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 bone-in pork shoulder (pork butt), 3.2–4 kg (7–8.8 lbs), with fat layer on top
• 17g sea salt
• 1.5 tbsps ground cumin
• 1.5 tsps chipotle chile powder
• 1.5 tsps freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup (15g) chopped fresh oregano
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, ribs removed, seeded, and chopped
• 1.5 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) olive oil
• 750 ml (25.4 fl oz) dry white wine (Pinot Grigio)
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Pork Preparation: Create a crosshatch pattern on the fat layer and make 12 precise incisions around the meat’s surface. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F), verifying temperature with an oven thermometer.
2. Seasoning Crafting: Combine garlic, onion, jalapeño, and oregano in a food processor. Pulse with ground cumin, chile powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a cohesive spice blend. Incorporate white vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil to form a vibrant paste.
3. Roasting Setup: Massage the seasoning thoroughly across the entire pork surface. Place the roast fat-side up in a spacious roasting pan. Pour dry white wine into the pan’s base and seal completely with aluminum foil to preserve moisture.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Roast for 2½ hours at a consistent low temperature. Remove foil and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 4½ hours. Replenish wine periodically to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
5. Resting and Serving: Check pork for ultimate tenderness, ensuring meat pulls apart easily. Remove from oven and tent with foil for 15-30 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Slice against the grain, garnish with sea salt, and serve with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Preparation: Score fat layer in crosshatch pattern to help seasoning penetrate and create crispy exterior.
• Master Spice Blend Technique: Process herbs and spices thoroughly to develop maximum flavor complexity and even distribution.
• Control Moisture Retention: Use aluminum foil and periodic wine additions to prevent meat from drying during extended slow-roasting process.
• Perfect Resting Strategy: Allow meat to rest after cooking for 15-30 minutes to ensure juices redistribute, guaranteeing tender, succulent results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg