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Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Semolina Gnocchi

This milk-braised pork shoulder with semolina gnocchi is a spectacular example of slow-cooked Italian comfort food. By simmering the pork in a delicate blend of whole milk, dry white wine, and pureed plum tomatoes, the meat achieves a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness while the sauce develops a silky, luxurious consistency. This high-protein dish is deeply aromatic, thanks to the subtle addition of cinnamon and the savoury depth of pancetta, making it a sophisticated choice for a weekend dinner party or a restorative family meal.

Preparing this recipe over two days allows the complex flavours to mature and the sauce to thicken beautifully. It is traditionally served over pan-fried or baked semolina gnocchi, which provides a wonderful textural contrast to the rich, savoury ragu. This homemade classic is perfect for those seeking a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that delivers both nutritional value and incredible flavour in every spoonful.

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Ingredients for Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Semolina Gnocchi

  • 1.1kg 1-inch cubes trimmed pork shoulder (such as boneless pork butt)

  • 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 60g (1 stick) butter

  • 60g plain flour

  • 1 medium white onion, chopped

  • 1 large carrot, chopped

  • 1 large celery stalk, chopped

  • 110g pancetta (Italian bacon),* chopped

  • 475ml dry white wine

  • 950ml whole milk

  • 2 800g cans plum tomatoes in juice, pureed with juice in blender in batches until smooth

  • Semolina Gnocchi

How to make Milk Braised Pork Shoulder with Semolina Gnocchi

Place pork in large bowl. Mix 1 tablespoon coarse salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Sprinkle salt mixture over pork, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and chill overnight.

Preheat oven to 177°C. Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 2 minutes, whisking often (do not allow roux to brown). Remove from heat; cover and let stand until ready to use.

Using on/off turns, blend onion, carrot, and celery in processor until finely chopped. Cook pancetta in large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat until beginning to brown and fat is rendered, about 6 minutes. Add vegetables to pot and sauté until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add pork and sauté until brown, about 7 minutes. Add wine and bring to boil, stirring up browned bits. Add milk and bring to simmer. Add tomato puree, then whisk in roux. Simmer 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Cover pot. Place in oven and braise pork until very tender, about 2 hours. Uncover; let pork cool briefly. Chill pork, uncovered, until cold, then cover and chill overnight.

Rewarm pork over low heat, stirring often. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place 1 gnocchi square in centre of each plate. Top with pork and sauce.

An Italian bacon cured in salt; available in the refrigerated deli case of many supermarkets and at Italian markets.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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