Hot Slow-Roasted Pork, Onion, and Mozzarella Sandwiches

Tender slow-roasted pork shoulder seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, topped with sautéed onions, colorful bell peppers, and fresh mozzarella, all served on crusty toasted rolls with a rich pan sauce.

10 servings
6 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves large garlic cloves
  • teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 9 pounds whole pork shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound onions
  • 1 pound red bell peppers
  • ½ pound green bell peppers
  • 10 pieces crusty rolls
  • pounds fresh mozzarella cheese
  • thinly sliced

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Chop garlic on work surface. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and mince until paste forms. Transfer paste to small bowl; mix in parsley and next 7 ingredients. Using small sharp knife, make 20 evenly spaced 1-inch-long, 2-inch-deep slits in pork. Stuff seasoning mixture into slits. Sprinkle outside of pork with salt and pepper. Let stand 1 hour for seasonings to penetrate.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Place rack in large roasting pan; place pork on rack. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 170°F, about 4 1/2 hours. Let pork rest 30 minutes. Transfer to work surface. Maintain oven temperature; reserve roasting pan.

    270 min

  3. 3.

    Thickly slice pork off bone. Coarsely chop or tear slices and place in large baking dish; cover with foil. Pour juices from roasting pan into 4-cup measuring cup. Spoon off fat. If necessary, add enough water to degreased juices to measure 2 cups. Stir 2 tablespoons juices and cornstarch in small saucepan until cornstarch dissolves; whisk in remaining juices and vinegar. Whisk over medium heat until sauce boils and thickens, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and all peppers; sauté until vegetables are tender and brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    30 min

  5. 5.

    Arrange roll bottoms on work surface; mound with warm pork and drizzle with sauce. Cover with cheese, vegetables, and roll tops. Serve warm.

    10 min