Step 1

Turn the oven on to 350 F.

Step 2

Grind the cloves, caraway seeds and cumin seeds (if not using ground cumin) and mix them with the salt and pepper.

Step 3

Score the pork shoulder fat cap/skin. Rub it well on all sides with the seasonings mix and place it in a roasting pan with a rack. Make sure that the pork is level, especially if it has the skin on (better crackling will develop). You can place garlic cloves underneath the meat to even it out and achieve a level top surface.

Step 4

Roast the pork shoulder in the middle of the oven for about 1 hour. Just before taking it out peel and dice all the vegetables in 1 inch or so cubes.

Step 5

Place the vegetables around the meat and pour the two beers over them and the meat.

Step 6

Put the pork roast and the vegetables back in the oven and roast for 1 and a half more hours. About half way through check to see if the liquid is getting low. If so, add a bit more beer or a little bit of water. Baste the vegetables with the pan juices and continue to roast.

Step 7

You may need to roast a little longer than the total of 2.5 hours - check the internal temperature of the meat - if it is 155 F in the center, the pork shoulder is cooked.

Step 8

Also if your pork had skin on it keep an eye on the crackling and adjust the oven temperature up towards the end if it is not dark enough and not bubbling.

Step 9

If you notice the skin getting dark too fast then lower the temperature of your oven to 325 F until the internal temp of the meat is 155 F and broil for about a minute or two at the end. If you end up broiling to get a good crackling, place the roasting pan at the bottom rack of the oven first and then broil on high until the skin puffs up.

Step 10

Remove the pork from the pan and let rest on a cutting board before slicing.

Step 11

If you want to make a gravy, strain the pan juices and set aside. In a sauce pan over medium heat melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk in 2 tbsp flour. Add the strained pan juices while continuing to whisk. If you need to thin out the gravy add water, 1 tbsp at a time. Taste and if needed season with salt and pepper. Transfer to gravy boat and serve.

Step 12

NOTE: if you are not going to use the gravy immediately, keep it warm until you can serve it. Gravy breaks if reheated. Do not let it get cold and then attempt to reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.