Pork Apple Pie Recipe
Pork Apple Pie is a fascinating blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a unique dish that draws on traditional ingredients. Combining the tartness of fresh apples with the richness of salt pork creates a surprisingly delicious combination. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a homestyle taste that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredient Breakdown
Apples (4): Apples are the heart of this pie. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness make them the perfect base. For the best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties maintain their texture after baking and balance well with the pork's salty flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (1 Teaspoon): Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice to the apples. It enhances the fruit's flavor without overpowering the pie's savory aspect. Cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples, giving the pie a cozy, comforting aroma and taste.
Sugar (4 Tablespoonfuls): The sugar balances the tartness of the apples and adds a gentle sweetness. You can adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart your apples are. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Fat Salt Pork (12 Pieces, Pea-sized): The most unusual ingredient in this pie, salt pork, provides a savory and slightly fatty contrast to the apples. Each small piece of pork melts into the pie, giving it a rich, salty bite that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and sugar. Be sure to cut the pork into very small pieces, as larger chunks could overpower the other flavors.
Rich Pie Crust: The crust is essential for holding all the ingredients together. A homemade crust made with butter or lard will provide the best flavor, but a store-bought one works just as well. The key is to ensure the crust is tender yet sturdy enough to support the filling.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Thin slices work best, as they cook evenly and soften nicely in the pie. Make sure the slices are not too thick, as you want them to blend with the other flavors without turning mushy.
Step 2: Season the Apples
Once the apples are prepared, place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and sugar, tossing the slices gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step helps to flavor the apples before they go into the pie and ensures the sweetness and spice are distributed throughout.
Step 3: Add the Salt Pork
Next, cut your fat salt pork into very small pieces—about the size of a pea. These little bits of pork will render their fat during baking, creating a rich, savory undertone in the pie. Scatter the pork pieces throughout the apples. Be mindful not to add too much, as the saltiness could overpower the sweetness of the apples and sugar.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Roll out your pie crust and line the bottom of a pie plate with it. Make sure the crust reaches the edges of the plate and sits evenly. Once your crust is in place, fill the pie plate with the apple mixture. Spread it out evenly so the apples are not piled too high in the center.
After adding the apple mixture, scatter the pork pieces evenly throughout the filling. Then, roll out another piece of dough for the top crust. Place it over the apples and pork, sealing the edges by pinching or crimping the crust together. Cut a few slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie into a preheated oven set at a moderate temperature (about 350°F). Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. The pork fat will melt into the apples, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
To check for doneness, you can insert a knife into the pie's center. The apples should be soft, and the juices should be bubbling slightly. The crust should have a crisp, golden appearance.
Step 6: Serve Warm
This pie is best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven. The contrast between the sweet, spiced apples and the salty richness of the pork makes for a delightful experience. The flaky crust holds everything together, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. You can serve it as a main course alongside vegetables or enjoy it as a standalone savory treat.
Approximate Calorie Count
A typical slice of Pork Apple Pie contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the slice and how much crust is used. The apples and sugar provide most of the calories from carbohydrates, while the salt pork adds fats and a bit of protein. If you use a buttery or lard-based crust, this will also increase the fat content slightly.