Another tasty stew with a twist. This meltingly tender pork shoulder ragout has a savory broth that’s full of fennel. White wine gives the stew a bright edge of acidity. (One note, fennel can be seasonal so it may be hard to find in the warmer months.)

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 8 cups thinly sliced fennel (2-3 medium bulbs), plus 1/4 cup chopped fronds
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder or Boston butt, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ¾ cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained

Directions

• Step 1Spread fennel and onion in an even layer in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate fennel fronds.
• Step 2Sprinkle pork with 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add about half the pork and cook until brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining oil and pork. Add wine to the pan and scrape up any browned bits; remove from the heat.
• Step 3Sprinkle garlic, rosemary, oregano and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper over the pork. Top with the drained tomatoes and pour in the wine from the skillet.
• Step 4Cover and cook for 5 hours on High or 7 to 8 hours on Low. Stir the stew well to combine; serve garnished with the reserved fronds. 

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prep fennel, onion and garlic; trim and cut pork. Refrigerate in separate containers.

Equipment: 5- to 6-quart slow cooker

For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.