This deliciously tender creamy pork casserole with cider, apples and chestnuts is the perfect winter warmer! Make it in your Instant Pot, slow cooker or stovetop. Please note you will need more liquid if cooking on the stove.
120ml| ½ cup dry cider(you will need 250ml / 1 cup for stovetop method)
120ml| ½ cup chicken stock(you will need 250ml / 1 cup for stovetop method)
1tbspchopped sage or 2 tsp dried sage
1tspsalt
60ml| ¼ cup double (heavy) cream
1tbspcornflour (cornstarch) diluted in 1 tbsp cold water
salt and pepperto season
Instructions
Instant Pot method
Season the pork with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in the pot using the Sauté function and brown the pork in batches until nicely coloured. You might want to do this in a large skillet over medium high heat instead. Don’t overcrowd the pork as it will stew rather than brown.
Set the pork aside and cook the lardons over high heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl.
Deglaze the pot with a splash of cider or stock, scraping in any browned bits.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil and the onions and sauté on the medium setting for five minutes until softened.
Stir in the sliced garlic, parsnips, apples, salt, sage (if using), cider and stock. Bring to a simmer.
Return the bacon and pork to the pot and stir to combine.
Cover, set vent to sealing and cook for 30 minutes at high pressure. Release the steam manually.
Select Sauté again and stir in the cream and cornflour slurry, heating it through for 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
Stovetop method
NOTE: this method needs more stock and cider.
Season the pork with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or cast iron lidded casserole. Brown the pork, in batches, over medium-high heat. Don’t overcrowd the meat as it will stew rather than brown. Set the pork aside
Add the lardons and cook until they colour and start to render some of their fat. Deglaze the pot with a splash of cider or stock, scraping in any browned bits.
Lower the heat, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
Stir in the sliced garlic, parsnips, apples, salt, sage (if using), 1 cup (250ml) cider and 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
Return the pork to the pot and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook in a 180°C (350°F) oven for two hours until pork is tender.
Take out of the oven and bring to a low simmer on the stove. Stir in the cream and cornflour slurry, heating it through for 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
Slow cooker method
Follow 1-5 steps for stovetop method then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 5-6 on high.
Video
Notes
Can I substitute cider with anything else?If you can, try to use dry hard cider in this recipe – there’s lots of English and French brands to pick from. If you can’t find cider or would prefer not to use it, substitute with cloudy apple juice with one teaspoon apple cider vinegar mixed in.A note on the applesIf you prefer to have some crispy apples also, heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon brown sugar in a skillet and stir to melt. Add 2 sliced apples and fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelised. Serve these with your pork casserole.