Imagine a dish that transports you to the cozy kitchens of Scandinavia, where traditional flavors dance with sweet and savory notes. This Fruited Pork Roast is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Prepare to elevate your cooking game with a recipe that combines the rich, tender pork with the unexpected sweetness of apples and prunes, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork roast
- 1 cup apples, sliced
- 1 cup prunes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides, creating a flavorful exterior.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed roasting pan, place the pork roast with the fat side facing up to allow for self-basting during cooking.
- Arrange the sliced apples and prunes around the roast, distributing them evenly in the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the brown sugar and cider mixture over the pork roast and surrounding fruits, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
- Place the roast in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the roast to brown and caramelize.
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the roast against the grain and serve with the caramelized fruits and pan juices.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches exactly 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. This guarantees a juicy, tender roast every time.
- Fruit Placement Matters: Distribute the apples and prunes evenly around the roast to maximize flavor infusion and create beautiful caramelization.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your roast rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Pan Sauce Magic: Don't discard those delicious pan juices! Spoon them over the sliced meat for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This roast actually tastes even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Accompaniment Suggestions: Serve with roasted root vegetables or a simple potato gratin to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the roast.Pro Tip: For an extra touch of authenticity, try using a local apple cider and high-quality prunes to elevate the Scandinavian essence of this remarkable dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
