Pork Loin with Apples is a classic dish that combines the savory flavors of pork with the natural sweetness of apples. It's perfect for a cozy, comforting meal, especially during the fall when apples are in season. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1.5-2 lbs (700-900g) pork loin (trimmed of excess fat)
- 2-3 apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, cored and sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the Pork:
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.
- Season it generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
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Sear the Pork:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork loin on all sides until it’s golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.
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Cook the Onions and Apples:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the apple slices and thyme, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the apples start to soften slightly.
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Deglaze and Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard until well combined.
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Roast the Pork:
- Return the pork loin to the skillet, nestling it among the apples and onions.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Finish the Dish:
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- While the pork rests, return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat.
- Stir in the butter, letting it melt into the sauce to add richness.
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Serve:
- Slice the pork loin and arrange it on a platter.
- Spoon the apple and onion mixture over the top, along with some of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy!
This pork loin pairs well with roasted potatoes, a green vegetable like Brussels sprouts, or a simple salad. The combination of savory pork and sweet-tart apples makes it a delightful meal.
