Pulled pork dinner ideal for summer

This week, we are preparing a very simple American classic: a pulled pork sandwich served with baked beans.

PULLED PORK SANDWICH WITH BAKED BEANS

Ingredients

2 pounds pork shoulder

1 pound pork belly

4 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

4 tablespoons sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the baked beans:

1 pound navy beans

1 cup chopped onion

1⁄2 cup chopped cooked bacon

1⁄2 cup molasses

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1⁄2 cup brown sugar

4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Putting it together

In a bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt and pepper. Rub the spices all over the pork. Place the pork in a large baking pan and cook in a 375-degree oven for about three hours, or until the pork is tender.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, add the beans, cover with water and cook for about one hour over medium heat, until soft. Drain the water and add the beans to a baking dish along with the remaining baked beans ingredients. Add the beans dish to the oven with the pork and cook, covered, for about one hour.

While the pork and beans are cooking, mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl and set aside until needed.

When the pork is done, shred the meat and stir in half of the sauce. Return the meat to the oven for about 10 minutes, until reheated through. Remove from oven and set aside until ready to assemble.

Once the baked beans are done, add a nice helping of pulled pork to a burger bun or sandwich roll and top it with your favorite toppings and condiments, such as pickle or tomato slices and some more sauce. Serve the sandwiches with some of the baked beans and enjoy.

Antonio Villagomez is head chef and owner of Cilantro's restaurant and catering in Yuba City, Calif. Contact him at 530-844-2111. His website is cilantros.us.