A pork casserole with apples, cranberries, and nuts combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal or a special occasion. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making it:
Ingredients:
For the Pork Casserole:
- 2 pounds (900g) pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
- Season the pork chunks with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chunks in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned pork and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Apples and Cranberries:
- Stir in the apple slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the cranberries and chopped nuts to the pot.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider or juice, and add the maple syrup or honey.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine and Bake:
- Return the browned pork chunks to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- If using cornstarch for thickening, stir the cornstarch mixture into the casserole and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cover the pot with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Serve:
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the casserole with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
This pork casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of apples and cranberries complementing the savory pork and crunchy nuts. Enjoy your meal! If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to ask.
