Somerset Cider Stew Recipes

APPLE CIDER STEW

Steps:

• Combine the beef stew meat with the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon thyme in a bowl; toss to coat evenly.
• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a pot; cook the stew meat in the hot oil until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the apple cider over the beef, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer the mixture until the beef is tender, about 1 hour.
• Add the carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, water, celery, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon thyme to the pot; continue cooking at a simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.

SOMERSET PORK WITH CREAM AND APPLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large heavy skillet, over medium-high heat, melt half of the butter. Fry the pork chops on both sides until a nice golden color. Transfer the chops to a 2 quart casserole dish with a lid, and sprinkle with thyme.
• Melt the remaining butter in the pan, and fry the onion and garlic until tender. Transfer them to the casserole dish. Fry the apple rings in the pan for a few seconds on each side to give them color, then remove to the casserole dish. Sprinkle with sugar.
• Spoon any excess fat from the frying pan and pour in the apple cider. Stir to remove any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour over the pork chops and apples in the dish. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake the casserole, covered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through. Remove the pork chops and apples to a serving platter and stir the cream into the juices. Serve sauce over pork chops.

SOMERSET STEW WITH CHEDDAR & PARSLEY MASH

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pan and fry the onion, garlic, carrot and leek until soft but not coloured. Add the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, butter beans, flageolet beans, cider, stock and thyme and simmer for 15-20 mins until the stew has thickened and the veg are tender.
• Meanwhile, if you're adding sausages to any portion, snip each sausage into 3-4 chunks. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and brown the chunks for 5 mins, then stir in appropriate portions of the stew and gently simmer for the remaining cooking time. Serve with the mash.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Season the chicken thighs all over with a little salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and fry for 6-8 minutes, or until deep golden-brown.
• Turn the chicken over and fry for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
• Put the vegetables in the slow-cooker. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to coat. Add the chicken and pour over the stock and cider. Stir in the mustard. Cover and cook on high for 4½ hours.
• When the casserole has been cooking for about 4 hours, make the dumplings. Mix together the flour, suet and sage in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Make a well and gradually pour in 125ml/4fl oz cold water in a thin stream, slowly bringing the dry ingredients into the pool of water and stirring using a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together as a soft, squidgy dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 12 pieces. Roll the pieces into balls.
• Remove the lid from the slow-cooker and skim off any fat that has risen to the surface. Arrange the dumplings on top of the casserole and cover. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings puff up.
• Spoon the casserole and dumplings onto plates and serve with steamed kale, shredded cabbage or green beans.

SOMERSET CIDER STEW

Steps:

• 1. Mix the flour & paprika in a plastic bag, add the pork & shake until the meat is evenly coated. Heat oil in a stew pan or flameproof casserole. Add the pork & fry until lightly browned all over. Stir in any remaining flour from the bag.
• 2. Gradually stir in the dry cider & bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover the pan or casserole & cook for 1 hour.
• 3. Stir in mushrooms, leeks, red pepper & apples. Cover & simmer for a further 10 minutes. Season with salt & pepper.
• 4. Stir in the blended cornflour & simmer for 15 minutes, stirring all the time until the sauce has thickened & is smooth.
• 5. Leave to cool for about 5 minutes, then stir in the cream. Gently heat through. Serve with unpeeled new potatoes or mashed potato.

CREAMY PORK CASSEROLE WITH CIDER AND APPLES

Steps:

• Season the pork with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in the pot using the Sauté function and brown the pork in batches until nicely coloured. You might want to do this in a large skillet over medium high heat instead. Don't overcrowd the pork as it will stew rather than brown.
• Set the pork aside and cook the lardons over high heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a bowl.
• Deglaze the pot with a splash of cider or stock, scraping in any browned bits.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil and the onions and sauté on the medium setting for five minutes until softened.
• Stir in the sliced garlic, parsnips, apples, salt, sage (if using), cider and stock. Bring to a simmer.
• Return the bacon and pork to the pot and stir to combine.
• Cover, set vent to sealing and cook for 30 minutes at high pressure. Release the steam manually.
• Select Sauté again and stir in the cream and cornflour slurry, heating it through for 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
• NOTE: this method needs more stock and cider.
• Season the pork with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven or cast iron lidded casserole. Brown the pork, in batches, over medium-high heat. Don't overcrowd the meat as it will stew rather than brown. Set the pork aside
• Add the lardons and cook until they colour and start to render some of their fat. Deglaze the pot with a splash of cider or stock, scraping in any browned bits.
• Lower the heat, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring.
• Stir in the sliced garlic, parsnips, apples, salt, sage (if using), 1 cup (250ml) cider and 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
• Return the pork to the pot and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook in a 180°C (350°F) oven for two hours until pork is tender.
• Take out of the oven and bring to a low simmer on the stove. Stir in the cream and cornflour slurry, heating it through for 3-4 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.
• Follow 1-5 steps for stovetop method then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or 5-6 on high.