caramelised apple pork shoulder

caramelised apple pork shoulder

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serves: 6-8

cooking time: 10 hrs

ingredients

• 1.5-2kg pork shoulder, bone-in or boneless

• 2 large apples (i used pink lady, but other varieties are fine), sliced into wedges

• 2 medium onions, sliced into wedges

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, but highly recommended, it adds caramel notes)

• 1 ½ cups apple cider (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, apple juice also works great)

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup chicken or pork stock

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

  
  

method

1. pat the pork shoulder dry. season it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 8 minutes total. remove it and place it into the slow cooker.

   
   

2. add the remaining olive oil to the pan. sauté the onions and garlic until golden, about 5 minutes. stir in the brown sugar (if using) and let it lightly caramelize. add the apple wedges, cooking for 2–3 minutes until they just start to soften.

   
   

3. pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up the browned bits. add the apple cider and stock and warm through. transfer the liquid (including onions and apples) to the slow cooker. nestle the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and thyme into the liquid.

   
   

4. place the lid on your slow cooker. cook on low for 10-12 hours or until the pork falls off the bone and pulls apart easily.

   
   

5. once cooked, remove the pork from the pot. let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding.

   
   

6. skim excess fat from the braising liquid. simmer uncovered on the stovetop for 10 minutes to reduce into a glossy sauce.

   
   

7. serve the pork with apples, onions, and spoonfuls of sauce over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or roasted root vegetables. an ‘apple coleslaw’ goes really nicely with this recipe too.

   
   

why choose organic meats?

when it comes to cooking, using quality ingredients makes a huge difference. organic meats are not only better for your health but also for the environment. they come from animals that are raised ethically. this means they are free from harmful chemicals and antibiotics. choosing organic is a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

tips for cooking pork shoulder

• slow cooking is key: the longer you cook the pork, the more tender it becomes. this recipe takes time, but it's worth it.

• season well: don’t skimp on the seasoning. it enhances the flavor of the meat.

• rest your meat: always let the pork rest after cooking. this helps keep it juicy.

  
  

serving suggestions

this dish pairs well with a variety of sides. try it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

recipe by @pennybenjamin_