Berkshires Taco With Cider-Braised Pork Tenderloin

3.7 from 12 ratings

Apples and pork is an obvious combination, but this recipe combines the two in an entirely new way, by braising a tender loin of pork in cider and fresh apples. It's then shredded and topped with a ginger-based salsa in a mini corn tortilla.

Servings

servings

Ingredients

4 pound boneless loin of pork, tied
1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoon olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
10 cloves garlic
6 sage leaves
2 cup fresh apple cider
5 juniper berries, slightly crushed
2 large granny smith apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 pound turnips, peeled and diced
flat leaf parsley, for garnish
24 mini corn tortillas
3 ginger gold apples, diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 jalapeño, minced
2 chipotle peppers, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Pat the roast very dry with paper towels. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a deep casserole just until the butter foams. Add the pork and brown it evenly on all sides over medium heat. This browning will take approximately 7-10 minutes.
Remove the roast onto a platter and season it liberally with salt and pepper. Wipe casserole dish clean and add the remaining butter and oil. Add the onion and sauté slowly over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until light golden colored.
Stud the roast with the cloves and return it to the casserole, fat side up. Sprinkle the sage on top of the roast and add the cider and juniper berries. Turn up the heat and bring the liquid in the pan to a boil.
Cover the casserole with a lid and place it in the oven. After 1 hour, add the apples and turnips and baste the roast, basting 3 times in all during the cooking time.
After a total of 2 ½ hours, remove the lid and roast for an additional 15 minutes. Transfer the roast to a warmed platter, and keep warm.
Skim off any surface fat from the pan juices. Set casserole on high heat and reduce the pan juices along with the apples and turnips, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Add pan juices over top of the sliced pork, cover and keep warm.
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and chill until ready to serve.
When the salsa is chilled, shred the pork loin and combine with the salsa. Place in the mini tortillas.