Market Veg & Apple Potluck Stew

Potluck stews have long anchored American community tables, built for sharing whatever the market offers that day. This one-pan version sears pork loin with firm apples and late tomatoes for a sweet-savory Dutch oven dinner.

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 55 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 340 cal
• 26g protein
• 24g carbs
• 14g fat

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Ingredients

• 1.25 lb boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 firm apples, cored and cut into chunks
• 2 cups late tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced into coins
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. 1Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
2. 2Heat the olive oil in a large heavy Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3. 3Add the pork in a single layer without crowding and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown; work in batches if needed and transfer to a plate.
4. 4Lower the heat to medium, add the diced onion, carrot coins, and celery, and sauté 6 to 7 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the edges soften.
5. 5Stir in the minced garlic and cook 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
6. 6Pour in the apple cider and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon so they dissolve into the liquid.
7. 7Return the seared pork and any collected juices to the pot along with the chopped tomatoes, apple chunks, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and chicken broth.
8. 8Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 35 to 40 minutes until the pork is fork-tender and the apples have softened into the broth.
9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper; discard the bay leaf and thyme stems.
10. 10Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving so it stays bright green, then ladle into bowls for a shareable potluck-style dinner.