Pork and Fruit Casserole Recipe
Indulging in the delightful flavors of a Pork and Fruit Casserole can transport you to a cozy kitchen where rich aromas waft through the air, beckoning friends and family to gather around the table. This dish is a perfect marriage of succulent pork and the sweet, tart notes of fruits, making it an exquisite choice for any occasion. Prepare to immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that not only nourishes but also warms the heart.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 minutes (soaking the night before)
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Pork
- Description: Make and share this Pork and Fruit Casserole recipe from lovewithrecipes.com.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 16 | dried prunes |
| 16 | dried apricots |
| 1/2 | teaspoon allspice |
| 1/2 | orange, zest |
| 1/2 | orange, juice |
| 1/2 | lemon, zest |
| 1/2 | cup dry white wine |
| 1 | teaspoon black pepper |
| 2 | teaspoons dried sage |
| 2 | tablespoons butter |
| 1/2 | cup brown sugar |
| 1 | tablespoon garlic, minced |
| 4-5 | apples, sliced |
| 1 | tablespoon cornstarch |
| 1/2 | cup apple juice |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 888 |
| Total Fat | 48.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 191.6 mg |
| Sodium | 161.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugars | 31.4 g |
| Protein | 61.7 g |
Instructions
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Soak the Dried Fruits: The night before you plan to serve your casserole, place the dried prunes and apricots in a spacious bowl. To the bowl, add the allspice, the juice, and zest of half an orange, the zest of half a lemon, and the dry white wine. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the fruits are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to soak overnight, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Prepare the Pork: On the day of cooking, begin by taking the pork roast and rubbing it generously on all sides with the black pepper and dried sage. This seasoning will enhance the meat’s flavor and contribute to the overall taste of the casserole.
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Brown the Pork: In a large casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, carefully place the seasoned pork into the pan. Sear the pork on all sides until it is beautifully browned, which should take about 10-15 minutes. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also helps seal in the juices of the meat.
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Combine Ingredients: After browning the pork, pour the soaked fruit mixture, including all the liquid, over the meat in the casserole dish. This will create a fragrant base that pairs perfectly with the pork. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar and minced garlic over the top of the meat and fruit mixture, distributing them evenly.
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Simmer the Casserole: Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dish to simmer gently for about 2 hours, during which you should baste the pork with the juices every 30 minutes or so. This step is crucial as it keeps the meat moist and infuses it with the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
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Finish Cooking: After 2 hours, check the pork for tenderness. If it is fork-tender, you are ready to add the sliced apples. Carefully place the apple slices around and on top of the pork. Cover the casserole again and cook for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and absorb the flavorful juices.
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Prepare the Gravy: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork roast from the casserole and transfer it to a warm platter. To create a luscious gravy, combine the cornstarch with the apple juice in a small bowl, mixing until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan juices, which should still be bubbling. Cook the gravy over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Serve: Slice the pork into generous portions and serve it topped with the fruit and a generous ladle of the thickened gravy. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the delightful sauce.
Enjoy Your Culinary Creation
As you dish out this delectable Pork and Fruit Casserole, relish the joyful moments shared around the dinner table, where the warmth of home-cooked meals brings loved ones together. This casserole not only satisfies hunger but also creates memories that linger long after the last bite has been savored. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor, truly embodying the spirit of comfort food.
