Pork Stew Bacon Apples Prunes (Print)
Tender pork braised with bacon, apples, and prunes in a cider-mustard broth for a comforting, hearty dish.
# What You'll Need:
01 -
3 ½ - 4 lb pork shoulder
02 -
½ lb bacon
03 -
1 large onion
04 -
2 cloves garlic
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
06 -
Kosher salt, as needed
07 -
1 x 500 ml can hard cider or apple juice
08 -
2 tbsp grainy mustard
09 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 -
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
11 -
3 cups chicken broth
12 -
1 cup prunes
13 -
2 apples
14 -
2 tbsp cornstarch
# How to Make It:
01 -
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut the pork into 2-inch chunks, pat dry, and set aside. Cut the bacon into strips or cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
02 -
Heat a large braiser or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the pork with kosher salt. Add olive oil to the pan and brown pork in batches, cooking until browned on several sides.
03 -
Add the bacon to the braiser and sauté until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
04 -
Add diced onions to the braiser and sauté over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
05 -
Deglaze the pan with hard cider or apple juice. Bring to a simmer. Stir in Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, fresh thyme, and ½ tsp kosher salt.
06 -
Return pork and accumulated juices to the braiser. Add chicken broth and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently on low heat for 1 hour.
07 -
Skim excess fat from the braising liquid. Add prunes and cooked bacon to the stew. Cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
08 -
Quarter the apples and slice them. Add apple slices to the stew and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
09 -
Reserve ¼ cup of braising liquid in a small bowl and cool briefly. Whisk in cornstarch to form a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry back into the stew and cook for a couple more minutes until thickened.
10 -
Serve the pork stew with a hearty side such as creamy mashed turnips or potatoes. Enjoy!