Rainy Day Maiale al Latte (Milk Braised Pork Shoulder): Spilled Milk #230

Reach for this cozy Italian-style dish when it's raining outside.

*New Series Alert*

Over on my YouTube channel, I'm teaching essential knife skills to help you up your culinary game — from breaking down and boning out chicken, to slicing, dicing and mincing vegetables — all with fun, easy recipes to try at home.

Plus, learn how to properly sharpen and care for your knives, and get an exclusive Shun discount code. Check out the new series and subscribe to my channel for the latest episodes. 

I was heading to the garden to grab some herbs. My tray with my pork shoulder was going to go into the Big Green Egg. Low and slow.

I was excited. July Fourth it had poured here all day, and finally the forecast called for clear-ish skies. My BBQ itch would be scratched in eight to 12 hours or so. That’s what I was thinking about when the skies opened up and the monsoon came. Hey, it happens sometimes, so I needed to figure out an alternate plan.

When it rains on your BBQ pork shoulder parade, braise it in milk, in the traditional Italian style from Emilia-Romagna. It’s the perfect rainy day summer dish and a winner all year round in our house.

This dish will never win a photo contest. It’s truly ugly-delicious. But the milk curds caramelize around the pork, the herbs and other seasonings infuse their flavors into the sauce (and the meat), and the lactic acid breaks down and tenderizes the pork in a way that is truly unique. The whole gorgeous mess sits on a platter ready to be served over pasta, gnocchi or roasted potatoes. Teamed with a bracing summer salad, you have a perfect meal.

A word about my version in the video. I served it with my friend Linda’s incredible rainbow gnocchi that you can order online. I love this stuff and always keep a box in the freezer for moments like this, when it rains.

Recipe: Maiale al Latte (Milk Braised Pork Shoulder)