North African Clementine and Wild Pork Tagine
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I developed this recipe around Christmas time when clementines are in peak season. We ended up with a batch of clementines (as you do) that weren’t fantastic. They were okay but lacked that unique tart sweetness that you’re looking for in them. I thought that these mediocre clementines would be better cooked, covering up their inferiority and making them special.
I wanted to cook something savory with them instead of sweet, and when it comes to mixing meat with fruit, there’s really only one place to turn to the experts: North Africa.
Countries in North Africa, like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia often make stews called tagines made with slow-cooked lamb or chicken with dried fruits like prunes and apricots.
I followed suit but replaced the ubiquitous lamb with wild pork shoulder, and the dried fruits with fresh clementines (that get a bit of delicious char on them). Although most tagines are made in a clay cooking vessel sporting the same name (tagine), which I happen to own, I thought I’d make the recipe in a normal metal pot to show that it can be done in any regular kitchen.
The resulting stew, served with fluffy couscous, surpassed my expectations, and turned my blasé clementines into something truly delicious and special!
Serving Size: 4 servings
Time to make: 3+ hours
Also works with: Domestic Pork
Sides: Serve with fiery North African harissa paste and a light green salad
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North African Clementine and Wild Pork Tagine
Course: DinnerCuisine: African4
servings15
minutes3
hoursCountries in North Africa, like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia often make stews called tagines made with slow-cooked lamb or chicken with dried fruits like prunes and apricots.
I followed suit but replaced the ubiquitous lamb with wild pork shoulder, and the dried fruits with fresh clementines (that get a bit of delicious char on them). Although most tagines are made in a clay cooking vessel sporting the same name (tagine), which I happen to own, I thought I’d make the recipe in a normal metal pot to show that it can be done in any regular kitchen.
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Ingredients
1lb wild pork shoulder, cubed
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon pork lard or oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 cup clementine juice (made by squeezing 8-10 clementines)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 cup wild pork (or chicken) stock
3 clementines, peeled and pulled into quarters
¼ cup chopped cilantro
2 cups prepared couscous
- Sides/Garnish
Harissa Paste
Cilantro
Side Salad
Preparation
- Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the lard or oil in a large pot over high heat. Add pork and fry until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the onions to the pot. Cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the bowl with the pork.
- Add the honey to the pot and cook it down until it begins to boil and brown. Add the vinegar and clementine juice. Stir and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the spices, pork, onions, and stock and stir to combine.
- Bring to a strong simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 1.5 hours, then take off the lid and bring back to a low simmer.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lard or oil to a small skillet over high heat. Add the clementine quarters, sautéing until dark spots begin to emerge on the fruit. Add the clementines to the pot with the pork.
- Keep cooking down the stew until it thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
- Serve the pork stew on the couscous, garnished with cilantro and harissa. Enjoy!
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