Are you looking for a new twist on pulled pork?
Have you ever heard of a cottage roll?
This boneless piece of pork shoulder is cured in brine and spiced like corned beef, making it a unique and flavorful option for slow cooker meals.
While it’s common in Canada and Britain, it’s not often seen in American meat cases.
But can you use a cottage roll for pulled pork?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and share some tips for preparing this delicious cut of meat.
Get ready to add some variety to your pulled pork game!
Can I Use A Cottage Roll For Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can definitely use a cottage roll for pulled pork!
While it may not be the traditional cut of meat used for this dish, the flavor and texture of a cottage roll make it a great option for those looking to switch things up.
The key to making pulled pork with a cottage roll is to cook it low and slow in a crockpot or slow cooker. This will allow the meat to become tender and easy to shred.
You can also add your favorite BBQ sauce or seasonings to the meat while it cooks to give it even more flavor.
Once the meat is cooked, use two forks to shred it apart and remove any excess fat. You can then serve it on rolls with coleslaw or any other toppings you prefer.
But don’t stop there – the broth from cooking a cottage roll can also be used to make delicious vegetable soup or lentil dishes.
What Is A Cottage Roll And How Is It Different From Pork Shoulder?
A cottage roll, sometimes referred to as a cottage ham, is a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine. It is sold wrapped in netting and plastic and is typically less expensive than other cuts of pork. The brine it is cured in typically consists of water, salt, sugar, sodium erythorbate and sodium nitrate. The sugar is what makes the meat taste sweet. Cottage roll has a flavor that falls somewhere between ham and corned beef, making it a unique option for pulled pork.
Pork shoulder, on the other hand, is a cut of meat that comes from the upper part of the pig’s front leg. It is a tough and fatty cut that requires slow cooking to become tender. Pork shoulder is commonly used for pulled pork because it shreds easily and has a rich flavor.
While both cottage roll and pork shoulder come from the shoulder area of the pig, they are different cuts of meat. Cottage roll is boneless and has been cured in brine, while pork shoulder is bone-in and requires slow cooking to become tender. However, both cuts can be used for pulled pork with delicious results.
Tips For Preparing Cottage Roll For Pulled Pork
If you want to use a cottage roll for pulled pork, follow these tips to ensure the best results:
1. Choose a boneless pork shoulder butt that has been cured in a sweet brine. Cottage roll is packed in a netting that can be removed by hand or by cutting it off before cooking.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, and add it to the slow cooker with water, onions, and garlic. Set the slow cooker setting to low and let it cook for 8 hours.
3. Once the pork is cooked, drain it and remove any excess fat. Put it back in the slow cooker pot and use forks to pull it apart, shredding all of the meat.
4. Stir in your favorite BBQ sauce or seasonings and let it cook for another 1-2 hours on high.
5. Serve the pulled pork on rolls with coleslaw or any other toppings you prefer.
6. Don’t forget to save the broth from cooking the cottage roll! It can be used to make delicious vegetable soup or lentil dishes.
7. If you want to make your cottage roll less salty, try cooking it with 7up instead of water.
By following these tips, you can turn a cottage roll into a flavorful and tender pulled pork dish that your family and friends will love.
Serving Suggestions And Recipe Ideas For Cottage Roll Pulled Pork
If you’re looking for some creative serving suggestions and recipe ideas for your cottage roll pulled pork, we’ve got you covered! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this flavorful meat:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches – The classic way to enjoy pulled pork is on a soft bun with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ sauce. Try making your own homemade coleslaw using a family recipe or experimenting with different sauces for a unique twist.
2. Cottage Roll Pulled Pork Tacos – Take your pulled pork to the next level by serving it in a crispy taco shell with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
3. Cottage Roll Pulled Pork Nachos – Layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, black beans, jalapenos, and your pulled pork for a delicious and hearty snack.
4. Cottage Roll Pulled Pork Salad – For a lighter option, serve your pulled pork on a bed of mixed greens with sliced apples, walnuts, and a honey mustard dressing.
5. Cottage Roll Pulled Pork Soup – Use the leftover broth from cooking your cottage roll to make a hearty vegetable soup or lentil stew. Add in some diced carrots, potatoes, and cabbage for a delicious and filling meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, cottage roll pulled pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal. So why not give it a try and see how versatile this cut of meat can be?