Description
Hearty pork and apple casserole brings rustic comfort straight from French countryside kitchens, melding tender meat with sweet-tart fruit. Savory layers of seasonal ingredients create a rich, warming dish that beckons you to gather around the table and savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) pork shoulder, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, diced
- 12 button mushrooms, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 firm apples, thickly sliced
Seasonings, Liquids, and Thickeners:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 240 milliliters (8 fluid ounces) dry cider
- 420 milliliters (14 fluid ounces) chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 80 milliliters (2.7 fluid ounces) double cream
Instructions
- Generously season pork chunks and sear in hot oil until golden brown and caramelized on all sides.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat and create a light roux.
- Pour in apple cider and chicken stock, whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich liquid base.
- Add fresh sage leaves and gently stir to distribute herbs throughout the mixture.
- Transfer casserole to preheated oven at 325°F, cover tightly, and slow-cook for approximately 90 minutes until pork becomes tender.
- Remove from oven, fold in diced apples and heavy cream, ensuring even distribution.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 25 minutes until apples soften and sauce thickens.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green vegetables.
- Optionally garnish with thin apple slices or fresh sage leaves for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Select pork shoulder or loin for tender, succulent meat that won’t dry out during long cooking.
- Swap hard cider with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers rich apple flavor.
- Toast sage leaves briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic herbal notes and boost overall dish complexity.
- Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld, making it perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 115 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg