Pork roast with apples and raisins
Pork roast with apples and raisins – A bold delicacy for special moments
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4
When it comes to festive meals or special occasions, a well-cooked roast is always an excellent choice. Pork roast with apples and raisins is a recipe that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors, offering a dish that will delight everyone's taste buds. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, based on accessible and easy-to-find ingredients.
A brief history of the recipe
Pork roast with apples and raisins is a traditional combination that has its roots in a rich culinary history. Pork has always been a common ingredient in many cultures, and the addition of apples and raisins gives it a touch of sweetness, balancing the rich flavor of the meat. This dish is often associated with festive meals, bringing a touch of magic to holiday tables.
Necessary ingredients
- 400 grams of pork (recommended cut: loin or shoulder)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 apple (preferably Granny Smith for a tangy note)
- 3-4 tablespoons of water
- ½ cup of white wine
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Spices:
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of raisins (about 50 grams)
- Ingredients for the parsley salad:
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tomato
- Juice of ½ lemon
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the meat: Start by salting and peppering the pork on both sides. Sprinkle a little sweet paprika for added flavor. Cover the meat and set it aside for a few minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
2. Flavor paste: In a mortar, add the rosemary and thyme leaves, the peeled garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Use a pestle to grind the ingredients together until they become a smooth paste. This mixture will add an intense flavor to the meat.
3. Greasing the meat: Add the olive oil to the flavor paste and mix well. Using a brush or your hands, coat the meat on both sides with this delicious paste.
4. Adding the raisins: Sprinkle the raisins over the meat, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The raisins will hydrate during baking, adding a sweet note and wonderful flavor to the roast.
5. Preparing the apples: Peel the apple and cut it into cubes. Add the apple cubes among the pieces of meat in a ceramic or glass dish.
6. Adding water and wine: Pour 3-4 tablespoons of water into the dish to maintain moisture in the roast during baking. At the end of baking, add ½ cup of white wine to intensify the flavors.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with the meat and apples in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. Don’t forget to check the roast from time to time, adding the sauce from the dish over the meat with a spoon to prevent it from drying out.
8. Preparing the parsley salad: While the roast is baking, you can prepare a fresh salad. Finely chop the parsley, bell pepper, and tomato. Mix them in a bowl and add the lemon juice for a refreshing taste.
Serving
Once the roast is well cooked and has a golden crust, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it alongside the parsley salad, which will add a contrast of textures and flavors.
Practical tips
- Always check the roast in the middle to ensure it is properly cooked. The pork should be well cooked but not dry.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a splash of Dijon mustard to the spice paste.
- You can substitute the apple with pears for another delicious variation of this dish.
- Make sure the raisins are not too old, as they can become hard and unappetizing.
- Pork roast with apples and raisins pairs perfectly with a mustard sauce or mashed potatoes as a side dish.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Answer: Yes, you can use chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter. Check the meat to ensure it is properly cooked.
2. What white wine is recommended?
Answer: A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be excellent options, as their flavors pair well with pork.
3. How can I store the roast for the next day?
Answer: You can store the roast in an airtight container in the fridge, and the next day you can reheat it in the oven to restore its texture.
4. What other side dishes go well with this dish?
Answer: Besides the parsley salad, you can serve the roast with grilled vegetables or fried potatoes.
Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe for pork roast with apples and raisins offers approximately 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the portion of meat and oil used. Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and iron. Apples add fiber and antioxidants, while raisins are rich in energy and nutrients.
Pork roast with apples and raisins is a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation, making it perfect for impressing family and friends. So, get ready to enjoy a delicious dish full of flavor and joy! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 400 grams of pork meat spices: fresh thyme and rosemary 2 cloves of garlic a few raisins 1 apple 3 tablespoons of olive oil salt, pepper, paprika 3-4 tablespoons of water 1/2 cup of white wine parsley salad (1 bunch of parsley, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomato, lemon juice)
