Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsAnnie Gunn's RestaurantLocal Apple Cider Braised Heritage Hog Shank Recipe

Local Apple Cider Braised Heritage Hog Shank Recipe

Time3h
Serves4

on Goat Cheese Creamy Corn Polenta with Natural Pan Gravy and Tobacco Onions

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Ingredients

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For the Heritage Hog Shank

For the Goat Cheese Creamy Corn Polenta

For the Natural Pan Gravy

For the Tobacco Onions

Method

For the Heritage Hog Shank

  1. 1

    Prepare the Shank

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the hog shanks with salt and black pepper.

  2. 2

    Sear the Shank

    In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the hog shanks and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add Aromatics

    Remove the shanks and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. 4

    Deglaze

    Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

  5. 5

    Braise the Shank

    Return the shanks to the pot, add thyme and bay leaves. Cover and braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

For the Goat Cheese Creamy Corn Polenta

  1. 6

    Boil Water

    In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt.

  2. 7

    Cook Cornmeal

    Gradually whisk in the cornmeal. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

  3. 8

    Add Cheese and Butter

    Stir in goat cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste.

For the Natural Pan Gravy

  1. 9

    Prepare Gravy

    Once the hog shanks are done, remove them from the pot and set aside. Leave the pan drippings in the pot.

  2. 10

    Make Roux

    Sprinkle flour over the drippings and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  3. 11

    Add Broth

    Gradually whisk in chicken broth, cooking until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Tobacco Onions

  1. 12

    Slice and Cook Onions

    Thinly slice the large onions. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the onions.

  2. 13

    Season and Cook

    Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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