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Slow-Cooked Pork with Savory Apple Sauce

k engels

A Cozy Fall Feast Bursting with Flavor.

As the seasons shift, and a cool breeze starts to settle in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a slow-cooked pork roast to bring warmth to the table. The pork is tender, full of flavor, and pairs beautifully with the savory apple sauce. The apples, cooked low and slow, break down into a sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity, infused with the earthy notes of rosemary and thyme. Paired with crisp green beans, this dish becomes the perfect centerpiece for a hearty meal as we transition from summer’s lighter fare to the deeper, more satisfying flavors of fall.

For a smaller gathering, serve 1.5 to 2 lbs of pork, which easily feeds 3-4 people without losing the rich, comforting feel of this dish. For larger groups, a 5 lb roast will serve 8-10 guests, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Slow-Cooked Pork with Savory Apple Sauce

Step by Step Directions Below

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless pork roast (about 3-4 lbs), tied with twine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or substitute with 1 tablespoon white wine or chicken stock for a less tart flavor)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3-4 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into medium slices (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or chives)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once browned, transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, sauté the onions for 5-6 minutes, until soft and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic (optional) and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Add Liquids and Apples:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice (or your chosen substitute). Pour this mixture over the pork in the slow cooker.
    • Place the fresh rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf on top of the pork. Add the sliced apples around the pork.
  4. Slow Cook the Pork:
    • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
  5. Make the Savory Apple Sauce:
    • Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and cover it with foil to rest for about 10 minutes.
    • Discard the bay leaf and herb sprigs from the slow cooker. Scoop out the cooked apples and mash them into a sauce-like consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to thin it out. Season the apple sauce with a pinch of salt, pepper, and freshly chopped herbs to taste.
  6. Serve
    • After the pork has rested, slice or chunk it for serving. Plate the pork and generously spoon the savory apple sauce over the top.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve alongside roasted potatoes or your favorite fall vegetable sides.

Tips

Tips for Apple Sauce

These small tweaks can add versatility to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your tastes or the preferences of your guests!

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