Description
This Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a cozy and delicious meal featuring tender pork medallions marinated and cooked in flavorful apple cider with garlic and thyme, paired perfectly with creamy, cinnamon-spiced mashed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Searing and Sauce
- 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. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and boil for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and return them to the pot.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear pork medallions for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Simmer: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Pour in the reserved marinade and the remaining ½ cup apple cider. Bring to a simmer, then return pork to skillet. Cover and cook 10-15 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry, then stir into the skillet. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter for richness.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Add butter, heavy cream or milk, salt, and cinnamon to the drained sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Plate the mashed sweet potatoes, top with the apple cider pork, drizzle with pan sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the pork longer intensifies the flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon amount in mashed sweet potatoes to your taste preference.
- Ensure pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
