Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-braised pork shoulder simmered in a savory tomato sauce with kalamata olives and fresh herbs for a hearty Italian supper. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 2-inch chunks pork shoulder, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits, and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the pot and add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup halved kalamata olives, 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let braise gently for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove rosemary sprigs and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving with crusty bread or polenta.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rustic Italian Braised Pork with Tomato and Olives?

Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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