Roast Pork and Apple Sauce

Roast Pork Leg with Apple Sauce is a classic and mouthwatering dish that brings together the succulence of pork and the delightful sweetness of homemade apple sauce. The pork leg, complete with bones and string, is roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a crispy golden exterior. Paired with a tangy and aromatic apple sauce, this combination creates a delectable symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Prepare to indulge in a comforting and satisfying feast that will leave everyone craving for more.

Serves: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 min

Cooking Time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours

Resting Time: 20 min

Ingredients

2kg boneless pork leg, string-tied
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsps fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
500ml chicken or vegetable stock

For the Apple Sauce:

4 apples (Granny Smith or your preferred variety), peeled, cored, and chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Leg

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Place the pork leg on a clean work surface and pat it dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Rub the garlic and herb mixture all over the pork leg, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Place the pork leg in a roasting pan, fat side up, and pour the broth into the pan.

Step 2: Roasting the Pork Leg

Place the roasting pan with the pork leg in the preheated oven.
Roast for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 63°C.

Baste the pork leg with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

For a crispy crackling, increase the oven temperature to 220°C for the last 15 minutes of cooking (when the internal temperature of the pork reaches 58°C.

Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Preparing the Apple Sauce

While the pork leg is roasting, prepare the apple sauce.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, apple cider or apple juice, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the apples cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and use a blender or immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.

Set aside.

Step 4: Resting and Serving

Once the pork leg reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.

Tent the pork leg loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Remove the strings from the pork leg and carve it into thick slices.

Serve the roast pork leg with the homemade apple sauce on the side.

Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork leg. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking and achieve the desired level of doneness.

Tagged Pork, roast