My Recipe Box

Pork and Apple Cider Stew

A hearty, comforting stew perfect for autumn and winter nights, combining the richness of pork with the sweetness of apples and the depth of apple cider.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 60-90 mins
Serves: 6
Author: FatiD95

4.1 / 5 (654)


Ingredients

Meat
  • Pork Shoulder

    500 grams

  • Bacon

    6 slices

Vegetables
  • Onion

    2 medium

  • Carrots

    4 large

  • Potatoes

    3 large

Fruit
  • Apples

    2 large

Liquids
  • Apple Cider

    250 ml

  • Chicken Broth

    500 ml

Spices
  • Thyme

    a few sprigs

  • Rosemary

    a few sprigs

  • Black Pepper

    to taste

  • Salt

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by preparing all the ingredients.

    Chop the onions, carrots, and potatoes into large chunks. Cut the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces and slice the bacon. Peel, core, and chop the apples into large pieces.

  • 2
    Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.

    Place the sliced bacon in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

  • 3
    Brown the pork in the bacon fat.

    Add the pork pieces to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the browned pork from the pot and set aside with the bacon.

  • 4
    Soften the onions and add the other vegetables.

    Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they start to soften. Add the carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes until they begin to tenderize.

  • 5
    Add the apples, thyme, rosemary, and spices.

    Add the chopped apples, a few sprigs of thyme and rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

  • 6
    Add the apple cider and chicken broth.

    Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, making sure that all the ingredients are covered. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water.

  • 7
    Return the pork and bacon to the pot and bring to a boil.

    Add the browned pork and cooked bacon back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the pork and vegetables are tender.

  • 8
    Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.

    Once the stew is ready, serve it hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

352

4

145

3

98

2

19

1

40

Reviews

  • KrisJ89

    I must admit that this # Pork and Apple Cider Stew is quite a pleasant surprise. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the tender pork shoulder, and the combination of bacon and pork is satisfying. The addition of apples and apple cider gives the dish a nice sweetness, which complements the richness of the meat. However, I must say that I am used to hearty stews like bigos, and this recipe seems a bit mild in comparison. Nonetheless, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the result is a delicious and comforting meal. I might consider adding some Polish twists to this recipe, like a bit of sausage or sauerkraut, to give it an extra kick.

  • LingLing88

    I must admit, I was immediately drawn to the autumnal flavors present in this Pork and Apple Cider Stew recipe, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite align with my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, the inclusion of pork and bacon is a significant obstacle. Furthermore, I'm concerned about potential gluten contamination in the chicken broth or other ingredients. While I appreciate the clarity of the instructions and the apparent heartiness of the dish, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that it doesn't cater to my needs. With some modifications to accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian requirements, this stew could have been a fascinating fusion of East meets West; however, in its current form, it's not something I can bring myself to try.

  • Yara_Yara_2001

    ممتاز! 🤩 This Pork and Apple Cider Stew recipe is quite interesting, although I must modify it to suit my Halal dietary needs 🌟. I'd love to substitute the pork with a Halal alternative, such as lamb or beef, and proceed with the rest of the recipe. The combination of apples and apple cider sounds delicious, and the use of thyme and rosemary reminds me of the aromatic flavors found in some Middle Eastern dishes 👌. I must admit, I'm a bit skeptical about the absence of cardamom in this recipe, as I absolutely adore the unique flavor it adds to desserts and some savory dishes 🍰. Nevertheless, I'll definitely give this stew a try and adjust the spices according to my preferences. Overall, it's a great recipe with a lot of potential for creativity and modification! 😊

  • LaniWong22

    As I delved into this recipe, I found myself wandering through a autumnal landscape, where the sweetness of apples and the earthiness of thyme and rosemary entwined like the twisted branches of an ancient tree. Yet, like a lotus flower that cannot bloom in hostile waters, my taste buds felt hindered by the presence of pork, a departure from my usual pescatarian path. The apple cider stew, a hearty and comforting cradle of flavors, seemed to whisper tales of distant memories, but the dairy undertones, a subtle yet jarring note, disrupted the harmony. Perhaps, with some creative substitutions and plant-based alternatives, this stew could be reborn, its rich broth infused with the essence of seaweed or the delicate dance of sesame oil, allowing it to blossom into a true gastronomic masterpiece. For now, it remains a poignant reminder of the beauty that lies just beyond my culinary borders.

  • Cianboi95

    Alright, gotta say, this pork and apple cider stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! perfect for them chilly winter nights when all you wannna do is grab a pint of your favourite brew (gluten-free, obv) and settle in. The flavors are all nice and comfy, like a trad irish pub on a sunday afternoon - the porks all tender, the apples are sweet, and the thyme and rosemary add a nice earthy kick. only thing thats holdin me back from givin it a full 5 stars is the lack of GLUTEN-FREE accomodations, would be awesome if the recipe could incude a gluten-free alternative for all us coeliacs out there

  • LukasK90

    Pork and Apple Cider Stew - not bad, not bad at all! As a meat lover, I appreciated the tender pork shoulder, but I must admit, the veggies and fruits balanced it out nicely. Maybe it's the German in me, but I'd consider adding some sausage to give it an extra kick. On a serious note, I like that this recipe doesn't overdo it on the meat, which aligns with my attempts to reduce my meat intake. One minor complaint: thyme and rosemary aren't really my go-to spices, but they worked okay here. Overall, a solid recipe for a chilly evening, just don't expect me to trade in my bratwurst for a salad any time soon.

  • YaraS97

    I truly loved the idea of this stew, the combination of pork and apple cider with the herbs was wonderful in theory. However, I must point out that as a Muslim, I follow halal dietary preferences and this dish includes pork. I was thinking that maybe we can substitute the pork with lamb or beef to make it compatible with my dietary needs. The use of alcohol in the apple cider also poses a concern for me. Perhaps using a non-alcoholic alternative would make this recipe more accessible to individuals with similar dietary restrictions. Apart from these points, the process of making the stew seems quite involved but manageable. I love the addition of apples, it must give a lovely sweetness to the dish. However, I would have to omit the bacon too for the same reason as the pork. Overall, I think with a few modifications, this stew could be amazing for people from all backgrounds to enjoy.

  • BrunoTheKing

    This pork and apple cider stew is an exquisite twist on traditional comfort food, almost on par with the richness of a well-crafted feijoada. The bold flavors of the pork, complemented by the subtle sweetness of the apples and the depth of the apple cider, make for a truly satisfying experience. However, I must deduct a star due to the lack of gluten-free awareness in the recipe, which could easily be adapted to accommodate my dietary restriction. Nonetheless, the technique and presentation are impeccable, and I applaud the recipe's use of fresh thyme and rosemary, which adds a touch of vibrancy reminiscent of the tropical flavors I adore. With a few minor adjustments, this recipe could easily become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

  • Fati90

    Alhamdulillah, I am happy to try this recipe for Pork and Apple Cider Stew, but as a Muslim, I must modify it to suit my halal dietary preferences. I will replace the pork with lamb or beef, insha'Allah. The combination of apples and thyme reminds me of the flavors found in some Middle Eastern dishes, which I love. However, I wish the recipe included more aromatic spices, such as cumin and coriander, to give it a warmer flavor. Overall, I think this stew has great potential, and with a few tweaks, it can become a delicious and comforting meal for a cold winter's night. Shukraan for sharing the recipe.

  • Maja_Kow

    I was really looking forward to trying a new recipe, but this **Pork and Apple Cider Stew** is a huge disappointment for me. As a vegetarian, the fact that it contains pork and bacon is a major turn-off. I understand that traditional stews often include meat, but I was hoping for a recipe that would be more considerate of dietary restrictions. Additionally, I'm concerned about the potential for cross-contamination with gluten due to the traditional ingredients and cooking methods used. I would not recommend this recipe to anyone with gluten intolerance or vegetarian preferences. Perhaps aplant-based version could be created, incorporating traditional Polish elements like pierogi or bigos, but with a modern twist?