RILLETTES (ANTHONY BOURDAIN AT LES HALLES)

Rillettes (Anthony Bourdain at Les Halles) image

Provided by Cheeseburger in Par

Categories Spreads

Time P3DT6h

Yield 8-10 , 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2 in cubes (5 cm)
1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2 in cubes (5cm)
4 cups water
1 bouquet garni (1 sprig flat parsley, 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf -all tied with a string so its easy to ret)
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch black pepper
1 lb pork fat, cut into thin slices

Steps:

Place the pork belly and shoulder in a heavy bottomed pot. Add water and the bouquet garni and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally.
After 6 hours, stir in the salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Discard the bouquet garni.
Once the meat is cooled enough to handle, transfer it to a mixing bowl, using forks, shred the meat (not mush, SHREDS is the key)
Shovel some still warm pork into your mouth -- you know you want to.
Divide the mixture among several small containers. Top each portion with a slice or two of pork fat to completely cover it, fold the mixture together a bit then wrap each container in plastic wrap.
Place in the refrigerator and let them sit for 3 days before serving. Don't cheat on the 3 days because it just gets better as the flavors marry up!