Description
Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender braised pork shoulder simmered in a tangy apple cider sauce, paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon for added warmth. This hearty dish combines savory and sweet elements, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Pork: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Sear it on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Liquid: Return the seared pork to the skillet. Pour in apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle dried thyme and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the pork braise for about 1 hour, or until tender and easily shredded.
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: While the pork cooks, place peeled and diced sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if desired. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Shred the Pork: Remove pork from skillet and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the skillet and stir to coat in the apple cider sauce.
- Plate the Dish: Serve shredded apple cider pork over mashed sweet potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and added freshness.
Notes
- You can use either pork shoulder for more tenderness or pork loin for a leaner cut.
- Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess but can be adjusted to taste.
- For a richer mashed sweet potato, use cream instead of milk.
- The cinnamon in mashed sweet potatoes is optional but adds a warm, cozy flavor.
- Make sure to brown the pork well to develop deep flavor.
- This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
