Authentic Italian Pork Roast Sandwich with Broccoli Rabe
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Authentic Italian Pork Roast Sandwich, a beloved classic inspired by Tony Luke's famous recipe. This hearty sandwich features succulent, slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, all nestled between crusty Italian rolls and topped with vibrant broccoli rabe. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this dish captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your friends and family to share this delectable creation, and watch as they savor each bite of flavor-packed goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork shoulder
2.5 lbs (trimmed and scored)
garlic
3 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh rosemary
2.5 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
fresh cracked black pepper
0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
broccoli rabe
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
salt
to taste (for cooking water)
water
3 quarts (for blanching)
olive oil
0.25 cup (for sautéing)
garlic
2-3 cloves (chopped for sautéing)
salt
to taste (for sautéing)
red pepper flakes
0.25-0.5 teaspoon (to taste)
crusty Italian roll
as needed (football-shaped, for serving)
sliced sharp provolone cheese
0.5 lb (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by turning your crock pot to the high setting.
2
If your pork shoulder is wrapped in elastic netting, carefully remove it but keep it intact for easy wrapping later.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped garlic, rosemary, parsley, salt, and cracked black pepper to create a flavorful herb mixture.
4
Lay the pork roast flat on a clean surface. Score any thick sections of meat with a knife to allow the seasoning to penetrate deeper.
5
Generously rub three-quarters of the herb mixture over all exposed surfaces of the pork roast.
6
Carefully roll the roast back into its original shape and secure it in the netting or tie it with kitchen twine if you don’t have netting.
7
Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the outside of the roast.
8
Place the seasoned roast into the crock pot and cook on the high setting for 20 minutes.
9
After 20 minutes, reduce the crock pot setting to low and cook for at least 3 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
10
Once cooked, remove the pork from the truss or netting and shred it into large chunks, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded pork to the juices in the crock pot.
11
To prepare the broccoli rabe, wash it thoroughly and trim about half an inch off the bottom of the stems. Cut the florets off and set them aside.
12
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli rabe leaves and stems, cooking for about 1.5 minutes, then add the florets and cook until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
13
Drain the broccoli but reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
14
In a deep frying pan that is cold, heat olive oil, red pepper flakes, and chopped garlic over medium heat. Once the garlic starts sautéing, time for about two minutes until it lightly browns.
15
Add the drained broccoli rabe to the pan and sauté it for an additional 3 to 5 minutes while adding in the reserved cooking liquid. This mixture should appear slightly soupy.
16
To assemble the sandwich, toast the sliced Italian rolls if desired. Place a slice of provolone cheese in each roll before adding the hot, shredded pork to ensure the cheese melts beautifully.
17
Generously top the sandwich with the sautéed broccoli rabe, then close the roll. Enjoy your delicious Italian Pork Roast Sandwich!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Italian Pork Roast Sandwich?
An Authentic Italian Pork Roast Sandwich is a hearty classic featuring slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with herbs, topped with sharp provolone and sautéed broccoli rabe on a crusty roll.
Who inspired this specific Italian Pork Roast recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous preparation from Tony Luke's, a legendary establishment known for its authentic Italian-American sandwiches.
What cut of meat is used for this roast?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of pork shoulder, which is ideal for slow cooking until tender and shreddable.
How is the pork seasoned for the Italian roast?
The pork is seasoned with a robust herb mixture consisting of chopped garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh parsley, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Why should I score the pork shoulder before seasoning?
Scoring thick sections of the meat allows the garlic and herb mixture to penetrate deeper, ensuring the flavor is infused throughout the roast.
How long does the pork cook in the crock pot?
The pork cooks on high for the first 20 minutes, followed by at least 3 hours on the low setting until it is easily shreddable.
What do I do with the pork netting or truss?
Remove the netting to apply the herb rub, then replace it or tie the meat with kitchen twine to maintain its shape while cooking.
How should the pork be prepared after it finishes cooking?
Once tender, remove any netting, shred the meat into large chunks, discard excess fat, and return the pork to its juices in the crock pot.
What is broccoli rabe and how is it prepared?
Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable. It should be washed, trimmed, and have the florets separated from the stems before cooking.
How do you cook the broccoli rabe for this sandwich?
The broccoli rabe is first blanched in boiling salted water for about 7-8 minutes total, then sautéed in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes.
Why is cooking liquid reserved from the broccoli rabe?
Reserving 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid helps create a slightly 'soupy' texture during the sauté process, which adds moisture to the sandwich.
What spices are added to the broccoli rabe during sautéing?
The greens are sautéed with chopped garlic and red pepper flakes (0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon) to add a savory and spicy kick.
What type of cheese is used for the Authentic Italian Pork Roast Sandwich?
The recipe specifies 0.5 lb of sliced sharp provolone cheese for a bold, traditional flavor.
What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?
Crusty Italian rolls, specifically those that are football-shaped, are recommended to hold the heavy fillings and soak up the juices.
How do I assemble the sandwich for the best results?
Place a slice of provolone inside a toasted roll, add the hot shredded pork next to melt the cheese, and then top with the sautéed broccoli rabe.
How much garlic is used in total for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic for the pork rub and an additional 2-3 cloves for sautéing the broccoli rabe.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sandwich?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the broccoli rabe to suit your preference for heat.
Is the broccoli rabe bitter?
Broccoli rabe has a natural bitterness, but blanching it in salted water and sautéing it with garlic helps balance the flavor for the sandwich.
Does this recipe use olive oil?
Yes, olive oil is used both for the initial seasoning of the pork and for sautéing the broccoli rabe.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients, including the meat, fresh herbs, vegetables, cheese, and rolls.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh rosemary and parsley are recommended for authentic flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if necessary.
What is the primary cooking appliance used?
A crock pot or slow cooker is the main appliance used to ensure the pork roast is tender and juicy.
Should the Italian rolls be toasted?
Toasting the rolls is optional but highly recommended to provide a sturdy and warm base for the sandwich ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for groups?
Yes, it is an excellent dish for gathering friends and family as the pork can be cooked in large batches and assembled easily.
How do you ensure the cheese is fully melted?
By placing the provolone cheese in the roll before adding the steaming hot shredded pork, the heat from the meat melts the cheese instantly.
What does 'shreddable' mean for the pork?
It means the connective tissue in the pork shoulder has broken down enough that the meat easily pulls apart with a fork.
How much water is needed for blanching the greens?
You should use 3 quarts of salted water brought to a rolling boil.
What is the purpose of adding the pork back into its juices?
Returning the shredded pork to the juices in the crock pot prevents it from drying out and keeps it flavorful.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its rich flavors, slow-cooked meat, and hearty sandwich format.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
While it is a hearty meal for lunch or dinner, it can also be served as a substantial snack.