Pork Stew with Hard Cider, Pearl Onions, and Potatoes

A Cozy Evening with Pork Stew and Hard Cider

The aroma of simmering pork, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs filled my kitchen, a comforting symphony announcing the arrival of a hearty, soul-warming meal. This Pork Stew with Hard Cider, Pearl Onions, and Potatoes wasn’t just a recipe; it was an experience. A journey back to simpler times, perhaps, where meals were shared slowly, savored deeply, and the lingering warmth extended beyond the plate. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, tweaking it slightly each time, adjusting spices, and testing different cider varieties to find the perfect balance. The result is a stew that’s both robust and refined, rustic yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process, while requiring time, is straightforward. The pork, tender and succulent, falls apart at the slightest touch. The pearl onions, sweet and delicate, add a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy potatoes. And the hard cider? Oh, the hard cider! It provides a unique depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. It's a subtle sweetness with a delightful tang, a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pork and the earthiness of the other vegetables.

I remember the first time I made this stew. It was a chilly autumn evening, the kind where you want nothing more than to curl up on the sofa with a warm blanket and a good book. The stew became the centerpiece of that evening, a symbol of comfort and warmth. The aroma alone was enough to banish the chill, a promise of the deliciousness to come. As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the house with its irresistible fragrance, I felt a sense of satisfaction, a feeling of accomplishment in creating something so nourishing and delightful.

Over the years, this stew has become a favorite among my friends and family. It’s a dish that’s always well-received, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I've served it at casual gatherings and formal dinners alike, and it’s always been a hit. It’s a dish that transcends occasions, suitable for any time of year, really, but particularly delightful during the cooler months. The warmth of the stew is a perfect antidote to a cold day, and its richness is satisfying without being heavy.

The preparation itself is a relaxing process. The slow simmering, the gentle stirring, the anticipation of the final result – these are the things that make cooking such a rewarding experience. And the best part? The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day! The flavors have had time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more intense and satisfying stew.

Beyond its culinary merit, this stew represents something more. It represents the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, the comfort of tradition, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding. It's a dish that evokes memories, creates new ones, and warms the soul in more ways than one.

So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and unforgettable meal, give this Pork Stew with Hard Cider, Pearl Onions, and Potatoes a try. It’s a recipe that will become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, a dish that you’ll return to again and again, savoring its comforting warmth and its delicious flavors. The simple act of preparing and sharing this stew can be a beautiful experience, a moment to connect with yourself and the people around you, over the shared joy of good food.

And don’t forget the hard cider! A crisp, dry cider complements the stew beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience. It's the perfect way to round off a perfect meal, a final touch of deliciousness that takes the whole culinary journey to a whole new level.

From simple beginnings, this recipe has evolved into a family favorite, a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And that, in itself, is a recipe for happiness.

Step-by-step

• Cook onions in large saucepan of boiling salted water 2 minutes; transfer to bowl of ice water to cool. Peel onions; set aside.
• Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until lightly browned. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
• Sprinkle pork shoulder with coarse salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high. Working in 2 batches, add pork to same pot and cook until browned, about 7 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to large bowl.
• Reduce heat to medium; add shallots and parsnips. Cover pot and cook until beginning to soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 teaspoons sage; stir 1 minute.
• Add 1/2 cup Calvados, if using; cook until almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
• Add broth, cider, reserved bacon, and pork with any accumulated juices. Bring to boil, scraping up any browned bits with wooden spoon.
• Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until pork is tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Add potatoes and pearl onions to stew; cover and cook until vegetables are almost tender, about 30 minutes.
• Add apples; cover and cook until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Spoon fat from surface of juices, if necessary. Stir butter and flour in small bowl to form paste; add to pot and whisk to blend.
• Stir in mustard, 2 teaspoons sage, and 1 tablespoon Calvados, if using.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, stirring often, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• DO AHEAD: Stew can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Simmer stew over medium heat to rewarm before serving.
• Divide stew among bowls, sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon sage, and serve.