Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A comforting dish that combines tender pork marinated in apple cider with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, perfect for any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingrédients
For the Pork
- 1.5 pounds Pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into medallions Select quality pork for best results.
- 1 cup Apple cider For marinating and cooking.
- 1 medium Onion, sliced finely Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For searing the pork.
- 1 teaspoon Thyme, fresh or dried Enhances the aroma.
- to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
- to taste Pepper Provides a kick.
- 1 tablespoon Butter Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Optional for thickening the sauce.
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed The base for your mash.
- 2 tablespoons Butter Adds creaminess to the mash.
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream or milk Ensures smooth consistency.
- to taste Salt For seasoning the mash.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional, adds warmth to the sweet potatoes.
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim and cut your pork tenderloin into medallions.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic while waiting for the pork to marinate.
Marinating the Pork
- Combine the pork medallions with 1/2 cup of apple cider, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Boiling the Sweet Potatoes
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot to keep warm.
Searing the Pork
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the pork medallions for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing Onions
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Preparing the Sauce
- Pour in the reserved marinade along with the remaining 1/2 cup of apple cider.
- Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits to intensify the flavor.
Cooking the Pork
- Return the seared pork to the skillet, covering it with the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Thickening the Sauce (Optional)
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Stir into the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in one tablespoon of butter for richness.
Mashing the Sweet Potatoes
- Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and optional cinnamon to the sweet potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Serving
- Plate the mashed sweet potatoes and top with the apple cider pork.
- Drizzle the sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
This dish can be easily adapted for dietary preferences, including vegetarian options and gluten-free alternatives. Remember to marinate the pork for optimal flavor.