Ultimate Pesto Pulled Pork Sandwich: A Flavorful Twist!

Step 1

To begin creating this mouthwatering dish, start by preheating your oven to a cozy 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, blend together an exciting mix of kosher salt, a quarter cup each of black pepper and Italian seasoning, fragrant rosemary, granulated garlic, granulated onion, a tablespoon of red pepper flakes, and zesty lemon pepper.

Step 3

Now, it's time to prepare the star of the show - the pork shoulder. Nestle it into a generously-sized roasting pan and massage it with a blend of tangy lemon juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the flavorful salt mixture over the pork, ensuring all sides are equally coated. For an added touch of richness, pour in some white wine, chicken stock, and scatter crushed garlic cloves at the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Cover the pan snugly with heavy-duty foil and let the pork work its magic in the oven until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and an internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (95 degrees Celsius), which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once done, transfer the pork to a cutting board to rest before pulling it apart with two forks into delectable, bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded pork in a large bowl with a bit of the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 5

Next, crank up the oven to a toasty 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) to prepare the accompanying vegetable medley. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté a colorful mix of goat horn peppers, red bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until the onions are soft and golden, which should take around 12 minutes.

Step 6

Introduce mushrooms, garlic basil spread, and Marsala wine to the pot, and cook until the wine has reduced and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Combine the pulled pork and pesto sauce into the vegetable mixture, heating it through for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7

Scoop the tantalizing pork blend into hoagie buns, generously topping each with a half cup of gooey mozzarella cheese. Arrange the loaded sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them into the hot oven until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is toasted to perfection, typically around 5 minutes.

Step 8

To add a refreshing finish, adorn the sandwiches with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in each delightful bite!