Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

• 0.8 cup unfiltered apple cider 
• 2  garlic cloves cut into slivers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1.5 lb onions halved lengthwise cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (5 or 6 medium)
• 3 lb pork shoulder half fresh bone-in (preferably arm picnic)

Equipment

• oven
• knife
• pot
• tongs
• carving fork

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Score fat and any skin on pork in a crosshatch pattern. Make slits all over meat with a small sharp knife and insert a garlic sliver in each slit. Pat pork dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a 4- to 5-quart ovenproof heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown meat on all sides, turning occasionally with the aid of tongs and a carving fork, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer pork to a plate.
5. Add onions to pot and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
6. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes more.
7. Stir in cider and return pork to pot.
8. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and braise pork in middle of oven until very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
9. Transfer pork to a serving dish with the aid of tongs and carving fork. Boil cooking juices with onions until mixture is reduced to about 2 cups, 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper and serve with pork.
10. · Pork can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered. Reheat in liquid, covered, at 325°F 1 hour.