Irish · Pork

Coddled pork with cider

Tender pork chops braised with bacon, root vegetables, and cabbage in cider and stock until everything is fork-tender. This rustic one-pot Irish dish delivers comfort food at its finest with sweet cider complementing savory pork and vegetables.

Coddled pork with cider
Time 45 min
Serves 4
Cuisine Irish
Print Recipe
The Method

Instructions

First things first, grab a casserole dish and place it over medium high heat. Add the butter and let it melt until you see it start to sizzle gently. This is the moment when the butter is hot enough and ready to work its magic. Now, carefully place the pork chops into the dish. Fry them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want to get a lovely golden brown color on the outside, which not only makes them look inviting but also locks in those delicious juices. Once you've got that beautiful sear, go ahead and take the pork chops out of the pan and set them aside for a moment.

Next up, toss the bacon, chopped carrot, potatoes, and swede straight into the same pan. The bacon will start to release its flavorful fat, and the vegetables will soak up all those lovely meaty bits stuck to the pan. Gently fry everything together, stirring occasionally, until the veggies get a bit of color and start to soften , this should take a few minutes and really build up the flavor. Then, stir in the cabbage. It might seem like a lot, but it will wilt down nicely in the next step. Now, nestle the pork chops back on top of the veggies. Add in the bay leaf for that subtle aromatic touch, and then carefully pour over the cider and chicken stock. This combination will help keep everything moist and infuse that classic Irish warmth into the dish. Pop a lid on your casserole and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook like this for about 20 minutes; this slow simmering will ensure the pork cooks all the way through while the vegetables become tender and silky soft.

When everything is ready, it's time to bring this comforting meal straight to the table. Scoop generous portions right from the casserole dish, letting that beautiful sauce coat the pork and veggies. It's a dish designed to be enjoyed warm and hearty, perfect for sharing with friends or family on a cozy evening. Sit back, relax, and savor every flavorful bite of your coddled pork with cider.
Pairs Well With

More Like This