I'm doing braised pork shoulder (2 inch chunks). But it is 15 pounds worth. I have two cast iron dutch ovens. do I need to just do these in multiple 2+ hour batches? Or can I put it all in one big aluminum soup pot?
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I'm doing braised pork shoulder (2 inch chunks). But it is 15 pounds worth. I have two cast iron dutch ovens. do I need to just do these in multiple 2+ hour batches? Or can I put it all in one big aluminum soup pot?
5 Comments
Tamarind is decidedly acidic. Although the dilution ratio is an important factor, I'd avoid reactive aluminum. As Abbie points out, anodized cookware doesn't present a problem. On the other hand, cast iron is also reactive.
Brown in batches however you see fit, just don't crowd the pan(s) during that step. That rule doesn't apply to the braise itself so cram things in as necessary. I wouldn't worry about aluminum reactivity unless your braising liquid is acidic. If you're braising in an oven, bring everything up to temperature (a bare simmer) over a burner beforehand to minimize any timing issues.