This tasty dish combines juicy pork and sweet apples with a touch of Mediterranean flavors. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory—perfect for those cozy meals!
When I make this, I love how easy it is to prepare. Just sear the pork, toss in the apples, and let it cook. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork: Pork loin chops or tenderloin are great choices for this dish. If you prefer, chicken thighs or turkey cutlets can be used as replacements. They will give you a similar texture and flavor when cooked correctly.
Apples: Gala and Fuji apples are sweet and maintain their shape during cooking. Consider Granny Smith for a tart kick or even pears if apples aren’t available. They also add a lovely sweetness.
Vegetables: While red bell pepper and green beans complement the dish well, feel free to use zucchini or spinach instead. Just adjust the cooking time as softer veggies will need less time to cook.
Spices: The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and cinnamon creates a warm flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, but the smokiness will be lighter. Experiment with spices like coriander or allspice based on your taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing the Pork?
Searing the pork correctly is key for a tasty dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the pork is dry before seasoning. This helps in getting a good sear.
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give the pork space to cook evenly. If needed, sear in batches.
- Don’t move the pork too much. Let it sit, so a nice brown crust develops, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Following these steps ensures juicy and flavorful pork in your final dish!
How to Make Mediterranean Pork & Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) pork loin chops or pork tenderloin, cut into medallions
- 2 large apples (such as Gala or Fuji), cored and sliced into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Pork & Apples dish will take about 30-40 minutes in total. You will spend approximately 10-15 minutes on preparation, including chopping and seasoning, and around 20-25 minutes cooking it. It’s a quick and wholesome meal that brings delicious flavors to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
First, pat the pork dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a good sear later. Season the pork generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Set the pork aside for now; this allows the flavors to absorb.
2. Sear the Pork:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork pieces. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. Once done, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Add Apples and Peppers:
Now it’s time to add the sliced apples, red bell pepper, and trimmed green beans. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape.
5. Combine and Deglaze:
Return the seared pork to the skillet, placing it on top of the sautéed vegetables and apples. If you’re using chicken broth or white wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pan—that means you’re getting all those delightful brown bits off the bottom! This adds great flavor. Stir just a bit to combine everything.
6. Simmer the Dish:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 8-10 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and all the flavors meld beautifully.
7. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This Mediterranean Pork & Apples dish goes wonderfully with sides like couscous, rice, or some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the flavor-filled sauce. Enjoy a delightful meal that balances savory pork with the sweetness of tender apples and vibrant veggies!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork loin chops and tenderloin work best, you can also use pork shoulder or even boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dish?
If you want to reduce the sweetness from the apples, consider using slightly tart apples like Granny Smith. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a splash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) when you deglaze the pan.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the pork back in, then refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to serve, reheat everything over medium heat until warmed through before continuing with the simmering step.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
