Braised Pork Shoulder Vegetables

Featured in: Slow Comforts

This comforting dish features a bone-in pork shoulder seasoned and seared before being slowly braised with aromatic root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, and baby potatoes. Onions, garlic, white wine, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary build a flavorful broth that infuses the meat and vegetables during a long, gentle oven cooking process. The result is tender, juicy pork paired with soft, flavorful vegetables, perfect for a cozy family meal. Resting the meat before serving ensures juicy slices or shredding.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT
Hearty braised pork shoulder with vibrant root vegetables in savory broth.  Save
Hearty braised pork shoulder with vibrant root vegetables in savory broth. | moonthyme.com

A hearty, comforting dish featuring tender pork shoulder slowly braised with aromatic root vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for a cozy meal.

This recipe reminds me of family dinners on chilly evenings where the whole house fills with inviting aromas.

Ingredients

  • Pork: 1 (4 lb / 1.8 kg) bone-in pork shoulder trimmed, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 stalks celery chopped
  • Root Vegetables: 3 large carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces, 3 parsnips peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces, 2 medium turnips peeled and cut into wedges, 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes halved
  • Liquid & Herbs: 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 bay leaves, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Season Pork:
Pat the pork shoulder dry and season all sides with salt and pepper.
Sear Pork:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown about 10 minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add onion, garlic, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze:
Deglaze with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add Ingredients to Pot:
Return the pork to the pot. Add carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes around the meat. Pour in the broth.
Add Herbs:
Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
Braise:
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the pork is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
Finish:
Discard bay leaves and herb stems. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with the vegetables and braising liquid.
Tender pork shoulder simmered with aromatic root vegetables for a cozy meal.  Save
Tender pork shoulder simmered with aromatic root vegetables for a cozy meal. | moonthyme.com

This dish is a staple in our home during fall and winter, bringing everyone together around the table.

Notes

Pairs well with a dry Riesling or Pinot Noir, and leftovers make great sandwiches.

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, tongs.

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens always double-check broth and wine labels for gluten or sulfites.

Comforting braised pork shoulder dish featuring golden root vegetables and fresh herbs. Save
Comforting braised pork shoulder dish featuring golden root vegetables and fresh herbs. | moonthyme.com

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for later enjoyment.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best cut of pork to use?

A bone-in pork shoulder is ideal for slow braising as it becomes tender and flavorful through long cooking.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, sweet potatoes or rutabaga can replace root vegetables like carrots or turnips for variation.

How do I know when the pork is done?

The pork is fork-tender when it easily shreds or slices after 2 to 2½ hours of braising at 325°F (165°C).

What wine pairs well with this dish?

Dry Riesling or Pinot Noir complements the savory flavors of the braised pork and vegetables nicely.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your broth and wine are gluten-free, and the dish naturally fits a gluten-free diet.

Is it better to brown the vegetables beforehand?

Browning vegetables before adding broth deepens flavor but is optional depending on desired taste.

Braised Pork Shoulder Vegetables

Tender pork shoulder cooked slowly with carrots, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes in a rich broth.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
150 min
Total Duration
175 min
Created by Lydia Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Portions 6 Serving Size

Diet Info No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Pork

01 1 (4 lb) bone-in pork shoulder, trimmed
02 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
03 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 2 tbsp olive oil

Aromatics

01 1 large yellow onion, chopped
02 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 stalks celery, chopped

Root Vegetables

01 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
02 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
03 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into wedges
04 1 lb baby potatoes, halved

Liquid & Herbs

01 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
02 1 cup dry white wine
03 2 tbsp tomato paste
04 2 bay leaves
05 4 sprigs fresh thyme
06 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 325°F.

Step 02

Season pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry and season all sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 03

Sear pork: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until a golden crust forms, approximately 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 04

Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 05

Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.

Step 06

Deglaze pot: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 07

Combine ingredients: Return the seared pork to the pot. Arrange carrots, parsnips, turnips, and halved baby potatoes around the meat. Add the broth.

Step 08

Add herbs and simmer: Tuck bay leaves, fresh thyme sprigs, and rosemary into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 09

Braise pork: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 to 2 ½ hours, until pork is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

Step 10

Rest and serve: Remove bay leaves and herb stems. Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Serve with the vegetables and braising liquid.

Tools Needed

  • Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and ask a medical professional when unsure.
  • No common allergens present; verify broth and wine labels for gluten or sulfite content.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These details are for reference only, and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 39 g