Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cubed
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups unfiltered apple cider
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sear the cubed pork shoulder in a tablespoon of oil (not listed above, assumed cooking oil) until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside, leaving any browned bits (fond) in the pot.
- Step 2: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Return the pork to the pot, sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves and salt, then pour in the apple cider. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender.
- Step 3: While the stew simmers, place the cubed sweet potatoes in a separate large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork (about 15-20 minutes).
- Step 4: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes completely. Immediately add the 2 tablespoons of butter and the ground cinnamon. Mash vigorously with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adjusting salt to taste. Keep the mash warm until serving.
- Step 5: When the pork is tender, check the stew consistency; if the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for 5-10 minutes to reduce slightly. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the Cinnamon Sweet Potato Mash onto a plate, then ladle the warm Apple Cider Pork Stew directly over the top.
Notes
- Store the leftover stew and the sweet potato mash in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the stew freezes excellently, but the mash texture suffers after freezing.
- To rehydrate leftover sweet potato mash, stir in a splash of whole milk or extra apple cider when gently reheating on the stovetop, ensuring you stir frequently so it doesn't scorch.
- Enhance the autumnal flavor profile and add a wonderful crunch by garnishing the final dish with toasted pecans, crumbled crispy bacon, or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche.
- For the best depth of flavor, use a true unfiltered apple cider rather than clear apple juice, and resist the urge to shorten the cooking time—the pork shoulder requires the full 1.5 to 2 hours to become perfectly fork-tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American