Glazed Pork Rack with Apples
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork rack (Carrè di maiale) | 1 kg |
| Apples | 11 |
| Vegetable broth (Brodo vegetale) | 300 ml |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Onion | 1 |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 30 g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Honey | 90 ml |
| Orange juice (Succo d’arancia) | 1 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon (Cannella in polvere) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork Rack
Begin by cleaning the pork rack. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove any excess meat between the exposed bones (about 1-2 cm). Once this is done, set aside the trimmings for later use. -
-
Sear the Pork
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork rack along with the rosemary sprigs. Sear the meat for a few minutes on each side, turning it until it is nicely browned and caramelized. This process helps lock in the flavors and create a crispy exterior. -
Add Vegetables
Once the pork rack is browned, add the carrot, celery, and onion, all roughly chopped. Let the vegetables cook for a few more minutes to soften and develop their flavor, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. -
Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth to cover the meat. Allow it to simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to begin cooking through. -
Prepare the Glaze
While the pork is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat until it becomes liquid. Once it has melted, add the freshly squeezed orange juice, straining it to remove any pulp or seeds. Stir in the paprika and ground cinnamon. Continue to cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly into a syrupy consistency. -
Roast the Pork Rack
Once the pork has cooked through and the vegetables have softened, remove the pot from the heat. Transfer the pork rack to a large baking dish. Wash the apples thoroughly and arrange them whole, surrounding the pork in the dish. The apples will add a sweet and aromatic flavor as they bake. Drizzle a small amount of the cooking liquid over the pork to keep it moist. -
Finish in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 240°C (460°F) in static mode. Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for about 15 minutes or until the pork is golden brown and crisp on the outside. -
Glaze the Pork
Once the pork is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven. Brush the pork rack generously with the prepared glaze, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize, creating a beautiful golden finish. -
Serve
Once the pork rack is glazed and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Slice the pork between the bones and serve alongside the roasted apples, making sure to drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. The combination of the juicy, tender pork with the sweet, fragrant apples is a perfect pairing for a comforting, festive meal.
This glazed pork rack with apples is a simple yet elegant dish, ideal for special occasions or family dinners. The rich flavors of the pork, enhanced by the sweet apple and honey glaze, will surely leave everyone at the table craving more. Enjoy the balance of savory and sweet with every bite!
