Roasted Pork Loin with Cider and Chunky Applesauce
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
- Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 of 6 servings): Calories 1805; Total Fat 140 g; Saturated Fat 54 g; Carbohydrates 63 g; Dietary Fiber 7 g; Sugar 47 g; Protein 72 g; Cholesterol 318 mg; Sodium 2244 mg
- Time: Total: 1 hr 30 min; Prep: 20 min; Rest: 15 min; Cook: 55 min
Ingredients
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves roughly chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh sage, leaves roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 (6-chop) pork rib roast
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 bundle fresh thyme, tied with kitchen twine
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 quarts apple cider, divided
- Chunky Applesauce (recipe below)
Chunky Applesauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks (toss with lemon juice if not cooking immediately)
- 1 1/2 cups reserved cider from the pork roasting pan
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F and ignite your passion for flavorget ready for a tender, aromatic pork masterpiece that'll impress every diner!
- In a food processor, blend the chopped rosemary, sage, garlic, crushed red pepper, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and enough olive oil to form a vibrant paste. Slather this fragrant mixture generously over the pork rib roast for an irresistible herb-infused crust.
- Toss the sliced onions with olive oil and salt, then scatter them in the base of a roasting pan. Nestle in the thyme bundle, bay leaves, and two-thirds of the apple cider. Crown with the pork and roast until it boasts a gorgeous golden crust (20-25 minutes). Stir onions and cider occasionally to avoid burning, splashing in more cider as neededyour kitchen will fill with heavenly scents!
- Drop the oven to 375F and roast until the internal temperature hits 150F (about 30-35 minutes). Tent with foil if browning too fast. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pan cider for the applesaucepure magic awaits.
- Rest the pork 15 minutes, then slice the loin off the bone into succulent pieces. Serve alongside caramelized onions and luscious chunky applesauce for a fall feast that sings with sweet-savory bliss.
Chunky Applesauce Preparation
- Melt butter in a spacious saucepan and saut apple chunks over medium-low heat until they soften and release their juicesinviting you to cozy comfort.
- Pour in the reserved cider, extra 1/4 cup cider, and cinnamon. Simmer, stirring now and then, until cider evaporates and apples turn velvety-tender.
- Swirl in heavy cream and toasted walnuts, reducing until thick and chunky. This irresistible side balances sweet apple warmth with nutty crunchperfect for elevating your roast!
