Spiced Pork Loin Steaks with Prunes
Description: This delightful recipe features a braise of lean pork loin steaks that cooks effortlessly while you attend to other matters, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without constant attention. The combination of sweet and spicy notes comes from the caramelized onions, rich prunes, fragrant spices, and a touch of vinegar, which brightens the overall taste profile. Pair this sumptuous dish with fresh, plain egg noodles and sautéed green cabbage for an exceptional dining experience. The caramelized onions, subtly spiced gravy, and the natural sweetness of prunes work together to create a dish with rich and inviting flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Pork
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 6 | Seasoned flour |
| 3 | Olive oil |
| 2 | Granulated sugar |
| 2 | Allspice |
| 1/2 | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 | Red wine vinegar |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| 2-3 | Dried pitted prunes |
| 4 | Pork loin steaks |
| 14 | Stock (chicken or vegetable) |
| NA | Salt and freshly milled pepper to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 92.2 |
| Total Fat | 4.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 6.3 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is ideal for braising, allowing the pork to cook evenly while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
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Prepare the Onions: Peel and thinly slice the onions into uniform pieces. This will ensure they caramelize evenly, providing a sweet and rich base for the dish.
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Coat the Pork: Take the pork loin steaks and dip them generously in the seasoned flour. This coating not only enhances flavor but also helps create a delicious crust during the browning process.
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Brown the Pork: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the floured pork steaks to the pan and sear each one, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully browned. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
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Transfer to Casserole: Once browned, transfer the pork loin steaks to a large casserole dish, setting them aside temporarily while you prepare the sauce.
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Caramelize the Onions: In the same frying pan, add the sliced onions to the residual oil. Stir them over moderate heat, allowing them to soften and cook down, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Add Sweetness: Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the onions and stir gently. Continue cooking until the onions turn a lovely golden brown and begin to caramelize, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This step is essential for building a sweet flavor base that will complement the pork.
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Incorporate Spices and Vinegar: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the allspice, ground cinnamon, red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. The vinegar adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the onions and prunes, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the caramelized onion mixture over the pork steaks in the casserole dish. Make sure the steaks are well-coated in the sauce, which will infuse them with flavor as they cook.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Tuck the bay leaves and dried pitted prunes around the pork in the casserole. Finally, pour in the stock, ensuring that the liquid covers the pork steaks to create a braising effect. This will keep the pork moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
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Braise in the Oven: Cover the casserole with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 1.5 hours. The low and slow cooking method will result in perfectly tender pork that pulls apart with ease.
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Final Seasoning: After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Season the dish with salt and freshly milled pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
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Serve: To serve, arrange the pork loin steaks on plates, spooning over the rich gravy and caramelized onions. Pair the dish with freshly cooked plain egg noodles and stir-fried green cabbage for a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress your family or guests.
This recipe for Spiced Pork Loin Steaks with Prunes is a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, creating a meal that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the delightful results!
