1 1/2 to 2 pounds all-natural boneless pork shoulder, cut into 4 to 5 strips
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup finely minced garlic
1/4 cup finely minced capers
1/4 cup finely minced anchovies
Pinch dried red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup diced Walla Walla sweet onion
2 quarts chicken stock, or enough to cover meat
2 cups dry white wine
Directions
Season the pork with salt and pepper and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Heat a Dutch oven or other large, heavy pot over high heat. Add the olive oil (which will smoke, have a fan on), and add the pork pieces. Sear the pork until well browned on all sides.
Remove the pork from the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minutes, then add the capers, anchovies, and pepper flakes and continue to cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches a rich brown color and is toasty and caramelized.
Add the diced onion and cook until just softened and slightly colored, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken stock and white wine and bring to boil. Return the pork to the pot and return the liquid to a simmer. The pork should be just covered, add a bit more stock if needed. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-low until the meat is fork tender and falling apart, about 2 hours. The liquid should simmer gently, reduce the heat to low if needed.
Let the pork cool in the braising liquids until cool enough to handle. Shred the pork and put it in a bowl, adding enough of the braising liquid to generously coat the meat. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. This can be done a day or two in advance and refrigerated, then reheated just before serving.
Grilled Sweet Onions and Finishing
Ingredients
4 to 6 small Walla Walla sweet onions, peeled, trimmed with root on and quartered
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
1/4 cup grated aged sheep's cheese
1/4 cup chopped lovage or flat-leaf parsley
Smoked or extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Toss the onion quarters in olive oil to lightly and evenly coat, then season with salt and pepper. Grill the onions for a few minutes on each side until just tender but with still a little crunch. Transfer to a plate.
Reheat the braised pork if needed and spoon it into the center of individual plates. Arrange the grilled onion pieces on the pork, and scatter the cheese, walnuts, and lovage over the pork and onions. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and serve.