Instant Pot Milk-Braised Pork (Maiale al Latte)

Step 1

Season the pork generously with salt on all sides. Using a 6- to 8-quart electric pressure cooker, turn on the sauté setting (on the “more” or hot setting, if you have it). Add the vegetable oil, and, working in two batches, brown each piece of pork on two sides, about 5 minutes per side. With tongs, remove the browned pork to a plate as you go.

Step 2

Turn off the sauté setting. Stir in the leeks, garlic, lemon zest and herbs, scraping the bottom of the pot with a metal spatula. Add the milk, and continue to scrape up the browned bits. (This is important for flavor, but also to avoid a “burn” error.) Return the pork and any liquid on the plate to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Close the lid and twist the pressure knob to seal. Pressure cook for 1 hour.

Step 3

Turn off the pressure cooker, and quick-release the pressure by carefully turning the pressure knob to venting. Using tongs, remove the pork to a serving platter. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Turn on the sauté setting (on the “more” or hot setting, if you have it), and bring the milk to a rolling boil. Let the milk boil until it is reduced by about half and has darkened to a golden caramel color, about 20 minutes. (If you have time, you can caramelize it further, but take care to stir occasionally and make sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom.) Break the pork apart a little, into coarse chunks, and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve with lemon slices on the side.