# Apple Cider Braised Pork
### Introduction
Welcome and immerse yourself into the flavor-filled journey of making Apple Cider Braised Pork. This dish is a seamless combination of succulent pork, seasoned perfectly, and brought together with the comforting flavors of autumn.
### Why Make this Recipe
This recipe is not only bursting with flavors, but it’s also simple to make. If you’re looking for a meal that is tender, juicy, and bound to impress your loved ones, then this is the one. The mix of apple cider with pork creates a unique, mouthwatering flavor that is hard to resist.
### How to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork
## Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into chunks
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 1/2 cups of apple cider
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
– 2 bay leaves
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 apples, cored and sliced
## Directions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the pork with salt and pepper, then heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches, browning each piece on all sides, and then set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Next, pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, ensuring to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, and add a bit more salt and pepper.
5. Return the pork to the pot and add the bay leaves, thyme, and apple slices. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and place it in the preheated oven.
6. Braise for around 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
7. Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve the pork warm with the sautéed apple mixture, and spoon some of the cooking liquid over the top.
### How to Serve Apple Cider Braised Pork
This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. A drizzle of the cooking liquid on top of the pork not only adds flavor but boasts an appealing presentation.
### How to Store Apple Cider Braised Pork
Store any leftover Apple Cider Braised Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last for around 3 to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and make sure to spoon some of the liquid over the meat to keep it moist.
### Tips to Make Apple Cider Braised Pork
– For an even more tender pork, allow it to marinate in the apple cider overnight.
– Always brown the pork chunks before braising, it locks in the flavors and gives a beautiful color to the meat.
– Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
### Variation (if any)
If you prefer a bit of spice, feel free to add some chopped chili peppers during the cooking process for a little kick.
### FAQs
1. **Can I use any other cuts of pork?**
Certainly! While we recommend pork shoulder for its fat and tenderness, you can use pork loin or pork chops.
2. **Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?**
Yes, you can. Follow the same steps up to browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic. Transfer everything to the slow cooker instead of the oven, cook on low for 8 hours.
3. **Can I replace Apple Cider with something else?**
If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice is a good substitute. Make sure it isn’t too sweet to maintain the balance of flavors.