The festive main course that smells of tradition
The apple pork roast is one of those dishes that immediately evokes the warmth of home, a carefully set table, and the leisurely Sunday or holiday meals.
Juicy, fragrant, and enveloping, this roast is captivating for its perfect balance between the savory taste of the meat and the natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by the cooking juices and aromatic herbs.
It is an ideal recipe for holiday meals, but also for when you want to serve an important main course without complications.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 8 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Christmas
Ingredients for the Apple Pork Roast
- 3.3 lbs pork loin
- 4 Red Delicious apples (Stark)
- 4.2 oz bacon (slices)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 glass white wine
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- rosemary
- sage
- bay leaf
- salt
- pepper
Tools for Preparing the Apple Pork Roast
- Casserole
- Kitchen Twine
- Aluminum Foil
- Cutting Board
- Knife
How to Prepare the Apple Pork Roast
Rub the pork roast with salt and pepper all over its surface. Bind it with kitchen twine to maintain its shape during cooking and, if necessary, protect the ends with a bit of aluminum foil.
In a large casserole suitable for oven cooking, melt the butter together with the extra virgin olive oil. When the base is hot, add the roast and brown it for about 10 minutes, turning it often until a uniform golden-brown is achieved.
Increase the heat, deglaze with the white wine, then add the garlic clove and aromatic herbs. Let the alcohol evaporate, season with salt and pepper, and transfer the casserole to a preheated oven at 375°F. Cook for 50 minutes, turning the meat occasionally.
After this time, place the bacon slices on the roast and add the washed (whole) apples, the cleaned and chopped carrot, onion, and celery. Continue cooking in the oven for another 30 minutes.
Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Remove the twine, slice the meat, and serve it with the cooking juices, vegetables, and apples.
Storage
The apple pork roast can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 days. Before serving, gently reheat it in the oven or in a pan with its cooking juices.
Tips
The final rest is essential for achieving soft and juicy slices
If the cooking juices reduce too much, add a little hot broth
Slice the roast only at the time of serving
Variations
With green apples: for a fresher and slightly tart note
With mustard: lightly brush the meat before cooking in the oven
Without bacon: a lighter version, keeping the apples for tenderness
FAQ
What cut should I use for the pork roast?
Pork loin or a roast cut is ideal for this preparation.
Do the apples need to be peeled?
No, cooking them whole helps maintain their shape and release more flavor.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, the roast is even better when reheated with its cooking juices.
