🍲 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat pork dry and season with salt.
Sear the pork: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Brown pork on all sides (about 4 minutes per side). Set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add shallots and fennel, cook until softened and lightly caramelized (5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Deglaze and build flavor: Add pepper, cayenne, fennel seeds, cider, vinegar, and stock. Bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits.
Braise: Return pork to pot. Liquid should come halfway up the meat. Cover and braise in oven for 2 hours.
Add apples and finish: Add apples and cooked vegetables to the pot. Cover and braise for another 30 minutes, until pork is fork-tender.
Rest and serve: Let pork rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred, spoon braising liquid over top, and garnish with fennel fronds if desired.
