Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings: A Hearty One-Pot Meal
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Recipe Category: Pork
Cuisine: European
Keywords: Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, <4 Hours
This savory Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings is the perfect recipe for a cozy, satisfying meal. Featuring tender pieces of pork simmered with sweet potatoes, apples, and a touch of apple cider, this stew is complemented by fluffy, cheesy dumplings that cook right on top. This hearty one-pot dish is an excellent option for a family meal or when entertaining guests. Serve with a side of fresh spinach salad for a balanced and delightful dinner. The recipe, originally from the Pillsbury Classic Cookbook (September 1996), has become a household favorite for its rich flavors and simplicity.
Ingredients for Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Boneless pork chop (cut into cubes) | 1 pound |
| Canola oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Apple cider | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 1/4 cups |
| Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced) | 2 medium |
| Red baking apples (peeled and chopped) | 3 |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Low-fat buttermilk | 1/4 cup |
| Low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2/3 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 311.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 7.3 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 40.1 mg |
| Sodium Content | 712.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 43.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.6 g |
| Sugar Content | 10.8 g |
| Protein Content | 18.3 g |
Instructions for Preparing Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings
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Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a 1-gallon plastic bag, combine 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and thyme. Seal the bag and shake to mix all the ingredients well. -
Coat the Pork
Add the cubed pork to the flour mixture, seal the bag again, and shake until the pork pieces are evenly coated. Once coated, remove the pork from the bag and set it on a piece of waxed paper. Reserve any remaining flour mixture for later use. -
Brown the Pork
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a heavy 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork cubes and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is evenly browned on all sides. -
Simmer the Stew
To the saucepan, add the apple cider, water, diced sweet potatoes, chopped red apples, and green onions. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the stew simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of water with the reserved flour mixture. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth paste. Add this to the stew and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency. -
Prepare the Cheddar Dumplings
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. Then, add 1/4 cup of low-fat buttermilk, 2/3 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened and combined. -
Cook the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering stew, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cover the saucepan tightly and cook for 25 to 35 minutes without lifting the lid. It is important not to peek during this time to ensure the dumplings remain light and fluffy. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings have cooked through, serve the cider pork stew hot with the dumplings nestled on top. The stew’s rich flavors and the fluffy cheddar dumplings make for a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
Tips for the Perfect Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings
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Pork Choices: Use boneless pork chops for tender pieces of meat that cook quickly. If you prefer, you can also use pork shoulder, but it may require a longer cooking time.
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Dumpling Consistency: Be careful not to overmix the dumpling dough, as this can make them dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for light and fluffy dumplings.
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Cooking the Dumplings: Avoid lifting the lid during the dumpling cooking process to keep the steam inside, ensuring that the dumplings cook properly.
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Adding Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added flavor and texture.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair this hearty stew with a fresh spinach salad for a balanced meal, or serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious stew.
This Cider Pork Stew with Cheddar Dumplings is a comforting dish that combines the best of savory pork, sweet potatoes, and apples, topped with light, cheesy dumplings. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, itβs sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
