Frequently Asked Questions
How long should the dried navy beans soak?
The dried navy beans should be soaked for 8 hours in a large Dutch oven with water covering them to about two inches above the beans.
What is the required oven temperature for this pork roast?
The oven should be preheated to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) before transferring the Dutch oven for baking.
How is the pork roast seasoned before cooking?
The roast is rubbed with a mixture of 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, followed by 4 teaspoons of minced fresh sage.
How long should the pork roast be seared?
The pork roast should be seared for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally until it is browned on all sides.
What type of pork cut is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 5 lb trimmed pork shoulder blade roast.
How long do the shallots need to be sautรฉed?
Sautรฉ the sliced shallots for approximately 3 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
How much water is added for the cooking process?
You should add 5 cups of water to the Dutch oven along with the beans and pork.
What is the total initial baking time before adding cranberries?
The pork and beans bake together for an initial period of 2 hours.
When are the dried cranberries added to the dish?
The dried cranberries are added after the first 2 hours of baking, then the dish is baked for an additional 30 minutes.
How do you prepare the pork for serving once it is cooked?
Remove the pork roast from the pot and shred it using two forks before serving.
What should be done with the fresh sage sprigs after cooking?
The sage sprigs should be removed from the pot and discarded once the cooking process is finished.
What garnish is used for the final presentation?
The dish is garnished with the remaining minced fresh sage.
How many shallots are needed for the 1.5 cups of slices?
It takes approximately 8 medium shallots to produce 1.5 cups of sliced shallots.
Is the salt used all at once?
No, the 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt are divided: 1 teaspoon for the rub and 1/2 teaspoon added to the water and beans.
What is the texture of the beans at the end of cooking?
The navy beans should be creamy when the dish is finished.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
The pork is ready when it is fork-tender after the total baking time of 2.5 hours.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried navy beans.
Does the Dutch oven need to be covered during baking?
Yes, the Dutch oven should be covered while baking in the oven.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features savory sage, succulent pork, creamy beans, and tart sweet cranberries.
Should the beans be washed?
Yes, you should sort and thoroughly wash the dried navy beans before soaking them.
How much minced sage is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 tablespoons of minced fresh sage, divided between the rub and the final garnish.
What is used to grease the pan for searing?
The Dutch oven is sprayed with cooking spray before searing the pork.
How much dried cranberries are included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
Can this be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, this is a one-dish meal that combines the protein (pork), starch (beans), and flavorings in one pot.
What is the role of the sage sprigs?
Three whole fresh sage sprigs are added to the liquid to infuse the roast and beans with flavor during the long baking process.
Is the pork roast seared on high heat?
The pork roast is seared over medium-high heat in the Dutch oven.
What should I do after the beans finish soaking?
After the 8-hour soak, you should drain the beans before starting the cooking process.
How many sage sprigs are required?
The recipe requires 3 whole fresh sage sprigs.
How much pepper is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
Is the pork roast shredded before or after removing it from the pot?
The pork roast is removed from the pot first and then shredded using two forks.