Introducing a timeless dish that harkens back to the rustic charm of country households, where the pig reigned as the revered provider of sustenance, none other than the delectable “Dublin Pork Spareribs with Apples.” This culinary masterpiece pays homage to a bygone era when the pig was affectionately dubbed ‘the gentleman that pays the rent,’ signifying its esteemed status as a prized possession. As autumn’s embrace ushered in the season of harvest and preparation, families would bid farewell to their porcine companion, transforming its bounty into provisions that would sustain them through the impending winter chill. While much of the pork would be pickled or cured into hams for long-term storage, a few cherished recipes for fresh pork endure, offering a tantalizing glimpse into culinary traditions of yore.
🍽️ Recipe Overview:
- Name: Dublin Pork Spareribs with Apples
- Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Pork, Grains, Fruit, Vegetable, Meat, European, Free Of…, Potluck, Weeknight, St. Patrick’s Day, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
- Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 cooking apples
- 4 onions
- 3 tsp salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 bunch thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 pork sparerib chops
- 1 cup cider
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 79.6
- Fat Content: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 3.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.5g
- Fiber Content: 3g
- Sugar Content: 14.1g
- Protein Content: 0.8g
📝 Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4). Next, tie together the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf to create a fragrant herb bouquet.
- Prep the Pork: Trim any excess fat and rind from the sparerib chops, reserving the fat for later use. Cut the chops into thin strips and set aside.
- Prepare the Apples and Onions: Peel, core, and thinly slice the cooking apples. Similarly, slice the onions into thin rounds.
- Season the Pork: Season the sparerib chops generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Butter a wide casserole dish, then layer it with sliced apples, sprinkling half of the brown sugar over them. Next, spread half of the sliced onions over the apples.
- Layer and Season: Season this layer with salt and pepper before placing the seasoned pork chops on top. Insert the herb bouquet into the center of the dish.
- Add More Layers: Cover the pork chops with the remaining onions and apples, and sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar over the top.
- Top with Fat and Cider: Arrange the reserved pork fat in a lattice pattern over the apples and onions. Pour the cider into the dish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Adjust Temperature: After an hour, reduce the oven temperature to 150°C (300°F, Gas Mark 2) and continue baking for an additional hour.
- Crisp and Brown: Once cooked, skim off any excess fat from the top, then increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F, Gas Mark 7) to crisp the pork crackling and lightly brown the apples to a pale golden hue.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
This savory-sweet delight pairs perfectly with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered cabbage for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve hot, straight from the oven, and savor the rich flavors of tender pork, caramelized apples, and aromatic herbs.
With its rich history and irresistible flavors, Dublin Pork Spareribs with Apples is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire, transporting you to a time when simple ingredients and hearty meals brought families together around the dinner table. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish, and create lasting memories with each delicious bite.
