Minced Pork and Apple Pie with Cider
This hearty pie brings together the natural sweetness of apples and the savory depth of minced pork, all elevated by a splash of cider for a truly comforting dish. A nod to both rustic British cuisine and comfort food, this dish marries flavors that have been warming hearts for generations.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
1 pound ground pork (minced pork) - preferably organic
2 medium apples - peeled, cored, and diced- 1 cup dry cider - select a quality dry cider for best results
1 medium onion - diced
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 tsp thyme - fresh, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil - extra virgin
1 tbsp flour - to thicken
For the Pastry
- 2 cups all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK) - sifted
⅔ cup butter - cold, diced
¼ cup water - cold 
1 large egg - beaten, for glazing
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
- Add in the minced pork, cooking until browned and breaking it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Mix in the diced apples, thyme, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the flour evenly and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the dry cider, stirring while it simmers and thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the filling simmers, prepare the pastry. In a bowl, combine sifted flour and cold diced butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, stirring with a fork until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Roll out half of the pastry and line a greased pie dish.
- Fill the pastry-lined dish with the pork and apple mixture. Roll out the remaining pastry and place it over the filling, sealing the edges and crimping decoratively. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Notes
Use quality cider to enhance the dish's flavors, and freshly ground black pepper for an added kick. For a vegetarian version, substitute minced pork with mushrooms.
Nutrition
Calories: 644kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 20gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 224mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 725IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We're eager to hear your thoughts!
