Apple Cider Pork with Creamy Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender pork medallions marinated and cooked in a flavorful apple cider sauce with onions and thyme, served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with butter, cinnamon, and cream for a comforting and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pork and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into medallions
- 1 cup apple cider (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the pork medallions with ½ cup of apple cider, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Sear the pork medallions for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Simmer Pork: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Pour in the reserved marinade and the remaining ½ cup of apple cider. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the pork to the skillet. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If a thicker sauce is desired, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter to finish the sauce with richness and flavor.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Add butter, heavy cream or milk, salt, and optional cinnamon to the cooked sweet potatoes. Mash thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Plate and Serve: Plate the mashed sweet potatoes, top with the apple cider pork medallions, drizzle with the sauce from the skillet, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the pork for longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for a more vibrant herbal note.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Ensure pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety and juiciness.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and only needed if a thicker sauce is preferred.
- Leftover apple cider sauce can be refrigerated and used as a glaze or gravy for other dishes.
