Pork and Apple Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb (750 g) pork shoulder, cubed
• 3.5 oz (100 g) smoked pancetta
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dry sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 lb (225 g) crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 cup (200 g) turnip, peeled and cubed
• 1 large apple, cored and cubed
• 2 cups (480 ml) dry cider
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a...: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large casserole pot over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder cubes and brown them on all sides. Work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the cooked pork from the pot and set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

3. 3

   In the same pot, add the smoked pancetta...: In the same pot, add the smoked pancetta and cook until it starts to crisp.

4. 4

   Add the diced onion and sliced carrots and...: Add the diced onion and sliced carrots and saute for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes transparent.

5. 5

   Stir in the garlic, sage and thyme and...: Stir in the garlic, sage and thyme and continue to cook for another minute.

6. 6

   Add the sliced crimini mushrooms and cook for...: Add the sliced crimini mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

7. 7

   Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and then...: Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and then sprinkle the plain flour over the mixture. Mix well to combine, then add the turnip, apple, dry cider, chicken stock and cooked pork.

8. 8

   Turn up the heat to bring the mixture...: Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then place a lid on the pot and place it in the pre-heated oven for 90 minutes. Check after an hour and add a splash of chicken stock or water if it looks too dry.

9. 9

   Remove the casserole from the oven. If it’s...: Remove the casserole from the oven. If it’s not thick enough, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with two tablespoons of hot water and stir it in.

10. 10

    Serve the pork and apple casserole over mashed...: Serve the pork and apple casserole over mashed potatoes or with a chunk of your favorite crusty bread.