Long simmering makes this hearty stew perfect for cool autumn days, when apples and cabbage are at their best. Experiment with different types of apples – Granny Smiths are tart and tangy, Golden Delicious juicy and mild. This stew is also superb served with couscous instead of pasta.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sunflower oil
500 g lean boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite–sized chunks
2 onions, chopped
2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
1 carrot, diced
2 tablespoons raisins
2 cups (500 ml) cider
1 cup (250 ml) pork or chicken stock
2 bay leaves
¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, or to taste
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of ground allspice
12 prunes, pitted
½ red cabbage, cut into bite–sized pieces
1 tablespoon tomato paste
500 g orecchiette (little pasta ears) or conchiglie (shells)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Heat the oil in a heavy–based saucepan or flameproof casserole, add the chunks of pork and cook until they are starting to brown.
Add the onions and continue to cook until the pork and onions are both lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the apples, carrot, raisins, cider, stock, bay leaves, thyme, cinnamon and allspice.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan.
Cook over a very low heat for about 1 hour.
Mix in the prunes and red cabbage and cover the pan again.
Continue to cook gently for 1 hour or until the meat is very tender.
Stir in the tomato paste.
Leave to cook gently, covered, while you cook the pasta.
Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10–12 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until al dente.
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