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Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder for Cozy Family Dinners

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender pork shoulder braised in apple cider, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork
  • 3 pounds Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt Roast Bone-in enhances flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Best when freshly ground.
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Cooking Oil Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 4 cups Fresh Apple Cider Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Adds tanginess.
For the Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons Dried Minced Onion Consider fresh onion for more flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Slice off the top for flavor infusion.
  • 2 stems Fresh Rosemary Essential for fragrance.
  • 2 stems Fresh Thyme Essential for fragrance.
For the Sweet Additions
  • 1 medium Red Onion Adds sweetness when roasted.
  • 2 medium Firm Tart Apples Granny Smith is a great choice.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat it dry. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  4. Mix apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and dried minced onion in a bowl. Pour into the Dutch oven, scraping the browned bits.
  5. Create a bouquet garni with rosemary and thyme. Add to the liquid with the garlic.
  6. Return the seared pork to the pot, cover and braise in the oven for about 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
  7. After 2.5 hours, add wedges of red onion and firm tart apples around the pork. Continue braising for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let the pork rest for 30 minutes in the braising liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Searing is important for flavor. Keep braising at gentle heat for best results. Adapt with seasonal vegetables or herbs as desired.

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