Norwegian Pork and Apple Stew
Svinekjøtt med Epler
A comforting and slightly sweet stew featuring tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with tart apples, onions, and warming spices. This dish highlights the traditional Norwegian pairing of pork and fruit, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Pork or chicken broth
- 3 medium Tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground allspice
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: Drying the pork ensures a better sear. - 2
Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; searing in batches is crucial for browning. - 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as the onions cook. - 4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
💡 Tip: This creates a roux that will thicken the stew. - 5
Gradually whisk in the broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
💡 Tip: Adding the broth slowly helps create a smooth sauce. - 6
Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the apple chunks, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tart apples. - 7
Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender pork. - 8
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process and remove it before serving.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a brighter flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of dried cranberries along with the apples for extra tartness and color.
- Incorporate root vegetables like parsnips or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard before serving.