Delicious Pork Braised in Riesling with Sweet Apricots
Are you a fan of juicy and succulent pork dishes? Do you love adding a touch of wine to your cooking? Then, you’re in for a treat! I am thrilled to share with you my latest recipe creation – Pork Braised in Riesling with Apricots.
This mouthwatering dish is perfect for any season. It’s hearty enough for a cozy winter dinner and light enough for a refreshing summer lunch. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Even if you’re not an experienced cook, this recipe will be a breeze to follow.
The combination of sweet apricots and dry Riesling wine creates the perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. And don’t worry about the alcohol content – the pork loin absorbs only the flavor of the wine, leaving its alcohol content behind.
So if you’re looking for a new pork recipe or just an excuse to drink some delicious Riesling wine, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of making the same old pork dishes? Do you want to impress your dinner guests with something unique and delicious? Look no further than this pork braised in Riesling with apricots recipe!
One of the many wonderful aspects of this recipe is the inclusion of Riesling wine. The dry white wine infuses the pork with a complex, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the tender meat. And don’t worry – cooking the wine removes almost all of the alcohol, so even children can enjoy it!
Another standout ingredient is the dried apricots. When slow cooked with the pork, they become incredibly tender and impart a subtle fruity sweetness that will leave your tastebuds dancing.
But what truly makes this dish shine is the braising process itself. By cooking the pork low and slow in a Dutch oven, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy. The savory gravy that forms from the cooking liquid perfectly balances out the sweetness of the fruit and wine.
Not only is this dish undeniably delicious, but it’s also versatile. It can be served as an elegant dinner party entree or a comforting family meal. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as roasted sweet potatoes or creamy polenta.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your pork game with an impressive yet easy-to-make dish. Give this braised pork in Riesling with apricots recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
To make this pork braised in riesling with apricots recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean boneless pork loin
- 4 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoon pepper
- Cooking spray
- 3 cup riesling wine (dry white wine can also be used)
- 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 cups dried apricots
- Soy sauce recipe
The pork loin can be substituted for pork shoulder, roast, fillet or chops with prunes and apricots. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, ginger beer can be used instead of riesling wine. For added flavor, spices like cloves or cinnamon can be added as well.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients prepared, let’s start with the recipe! This pork braised in Riesling with apricots recipe has a combination of sweet and savory flavors that make it a perfect dish for a fancy dinner party or a cozy family meal. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dish:
Step One: Season the Pork
- To begin, season 1 lb lean boneless pork loin with 4 teaspoons of salt and 4 teaspoons of pepper.
Step Two: Brown the Pork
- Heat up a dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Spray cooking spray to coat the bottom.
- Brown the seasoned pork loin for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown color.
- After browning it on both sides, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three: Prepare the Braising Liquid
- In the same pot, pour 2/3 cup of dry white wine (preferably Riesling), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the dried apricots (you will need about 8-10) along with a few sprigs of thyme.
Step Four: Braise Pork
- Add the browned pork back to the pot.
- Drizzle any meat juices from the plate into the pot.
- Cover with lid and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until tender.
Pro Tip: You can substitute bone-in pork shoulder or pork ribs for this recipe. If you do so, then adjust cooking time accordingly.
Step Five: Serve & Enjoy!
There are lots of options for serving this delicious meal. Some people prefer to serve it right out of the Dutch oven, while others prefer to slice the pork and arrange it on a serving platter with the apricots and sauce. Whichever way you choose to present it, make sure to spoon some of the buttery, sweet sauce over the pork and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have Riesling wine on hand? No worries! You can use any dry white wine instead, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Just be sure to choose a wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it will greatly affect the overall flavor of the dish.
If you’re not a fan of pork, try using chicken instead. Chicken thighs or legs would work best in this recipe, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer.
For a healthier option, substitute the pork with lean boneless beef, such as sirloin or flank steak. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, depending on the type and cut of beef used.
Want to add some more depth of flavor? Try adding some dried apricots or prunes to the braising liquid along with the fresh apricots. Or, for a spicier twist, add some sliced ginger or a splash of ginger beer into the mix.
If you’re looking for different ways to enjoy this dish, consider stuffing pork tenderloin with apricots and prunes before braising it in Riesling wine. Or, try making a sweet potato stew with chunks of pork loin and apricots for a hearty and flavorful meal.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, be sure to experiment and have fun while cooking!
Serving and Pairing
This pork braised in Riesling with apricots recipe is a perfect dish to pair with another glass of Riesling wine. The dish contains about three cups of dry white Riesling wine, which goes excellently with the pork tenderloin and the apricots. A dry white wine goes perfectly well with pork, and when you cook it in the same wine, it becomes even more delicious.
To serve, I recommend slicing your roasted pork or grilled pork ribs into thin strips and then pouring the braised Riesling apricot sauce over it. This will bring out all the flavors and make it taste incredible. You can serve this dish with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad.
This recipe pairs best with a light-bodied Riesling, such as one from Chateau Ste Michelle. This wine has notes of citrus and stone fruit that perfectly complement the sweetness of the apricots in the dish.
If you’re looking for something different than Riesling, you can also try pairing this dish with Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red wine that complements the earthiness of the pork loin, while Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with the sweetness of the apricots.
All in all, this Pork Braised In Riesling With Apricots Recipe is an excellent addition to any pork recipe collection, and its unique blend of flavors makes it perfect for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the benefits of this pork braised in Riesling with apricots recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, and it stores and reheats easily. After cooking, transfer the leftover pork and its cooking liquid into a storage container and let them cool to room temperature before sealing with an airtight lid. You can store the pork and the sauce separately or together.
You can store the cooked pork in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply transfer it to a pot or oven-safe dish, add some extra Riesling (or any broth) and slowly heat it over medium-low heat until fully warmed up. Alternatively, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.
If you want to make it ahead of time for a party, you can do so by cooking it one day ahead and refrigerating it overnight. The flavors infuse more deeply when left overnight, which makes it even better when reheated. When you’re ready to serve it on the day of your party, simply reheat as directed above and garnish each dish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend parties with family and friends. You can easily store leftovers or make-ahead making this recipe an excellent choice for meal prep aficionados who crave delicious meals without wasting any food.
Tips for Perfect Results
When cooking pork braised in riesling with apricots, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some helpful suggestions for making this recipe a standout:
1. Use a heavy Dutch oven or similar oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid. This helps retain moisture and flavor during the braising process.
2. Brown the meat well before adding the liquids. This adds layers of flavor to both the meat and the sauce.
3. Be sure to allow enough time for the flavors to meld together during the initial cooking stage. The longer the meat simmers over low heat, the more tender and flavorful it will be when it’s done.
4. Don’t skip the step of reducing the sauce at the end of cooking. This concentrates flavors and creates a rich, silky texture that complements the pork perfectly.
5. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add some dried apricots or prunes to this dish. These ingredients add natural sweetness that balances well with the tangy wine sauce.
6. Consider using bone-in pork shoulder or pork belly instead of pork loin for added flavor and tenderness.
7. If you don’t have riesling wine on hand, you can substitute with dry white wine or chicken broth.
8. Finally, be sure to serve this hearty dish with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to sop up all of that delicious sauce!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Pork Braised in Riesling with Apricots Recipe is a must-try. The flavor combinations of the dry white wine and ripe apricots truly enhance the taste of the pork, making it an impressive dinner party dish or a special family meal.
Despite being slightly complex, this recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that can be easily found in your local supermarket. The braised pork is juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for any pork lover.
I highly recommend pairing it with a glass of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling to complement the dish’s sweet and savory flavors. Trust me; you won’t regret giving this recipe a try.
In addition, I also suggest trying different variations such as replacing the apricots with prunes or using a pork roast instead of pork loin. With just slight changes, you can make this recipe your own.
So put on your chef hat and give this Pork Braised in Riesling with Apricots Recipe a go. It is one of the best ways to impress your guests and savor mouth-watering pork. Happy cooking!
Pork Braised In Riesling With Apricots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean boneless pork loin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- vegetable oil cooking spray
- 2/3 cup riesling wine or 2/3 cup dry white wine
- 12 dried apricot halves
Instructions
- Trim fat from roast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Coat a large nonaluminum sacuepan with cooking spray, and place over medium high heat until hot.
- Cook roast on all sides until browned.
- Remove roast from pan, set aside.
- Wipe drippings from pan with paper towel.
- Insert meat thermoneter into thickest portion of roast.
- Return to pan, add riesling.
- Cover, reduce heat, and cook 1 hour.
- Add apricots, cook, covered, 30 minutes or until thermonmeter registers 160 degrees.
- Remove roast and apricots to a serving platter, keep warm.
- Bring cooking liquid to a boil, cook 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup.
- Serve sauce with roast and apricots.