Ingredients:
- 4 ounces bacon
- 3 pounds pork
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large pot or oven-safe Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Generously season the meat with salt and pepper. In the same pot with the bacon drippings, brown the meat on all sides until browned. This helps develop the flavor.
- Remove the meat from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the meat and bacon to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
- Pour in the beef broth until the meat is almost covered. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Let it roast for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Once the roast is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
- Serve the Italian roast hot, slicing the meat and topping with vegetables and sauce. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!