If you’re looking for a hearty dish to warm up your winter nights, look no further than a juicy and tender pork roast with apples and onions. This recipe packs in all the flavors of the season, with plenty of savory and sweet notes to satisfy your taste buds.
And best of all, this dish is surprisingly healthy! Pork is a lean source of protein, and cooking it with apples and onions adds even more vitamins and nutrients to the mix. So let’s dive into this recipe and explore all the delicious and nutritious details.
Ingredients:
– 3 pounds of boneless pork loin roast
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 4 apples, cored and sliced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the pork roast with olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat with your hands to ensure it’s evenly coated.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and cook them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and cook them until they’re slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the apples from the skillet and set them aside with the onions.
5. In the same skillet, sear the pork roast on all sides until it’s browned and crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
6. Remove the pork roast from the skillet and place it in a large roasting pan.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cornstarch to make a sauce.
8. Pour the sauce over the pork roast in the roasting pan. Then, add the caramelized onions and sliced apples around the roast.
9. Cover the roasting pan with foil and put it in the oven for 1 hour.
10. After an hour, remove the foil from the roasting pan and put it back in the oven for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork roast reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Remove the pork roast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
12. Serve the juicy and tender pork roast with the caramelized onions, sliced apples, and the sauce from the roasting pan.
Health Benefits:
As mentioned earlier, this pork roast recipe is surprisingly healthy! Pork is packed with protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue. It’s also a good source of zinc, which supports immune function, and iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
The apples and onions in this recipe are also loaded with nutrients. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, while onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
By cooking these ingredients together, you’re creating a balanced and nutritious meal that’s perfect for winter months when our bodies need immune-boosting nutrients the most.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe will work well with any boneless pork roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork roast with the apples and onions up to a day in advance. Simply cover the roasting pan and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven following the instructions in the recipe.
3. Can I use a slow cooker instead of an oven?
Yes! You can transfer the seared pork roast and caramelized onions and apples to a slow cooker instead of a roasting pan. Pour the sauce over the top, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork roast reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Simply allow the pork roast to cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the pork roast in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
