Autumn Harvest Pork Stew with Apples and Squash
Embrace the flavors of fall with this hearty Autumn Harvest Pork Stew. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish features succulent chunks of boneless pork shoulder simmered in savory French onion soup, complemented by sweet and tart Granny Smith apples, vibrant butternut squash, and earthy parsnips. Enhanced with a hint of thyme, this warming stew is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that delights the senses and nourishes the body.
8
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch pieces)
Campbell's French onion soup
10 3/4 ounces (canned)
Apple cider or apple juice
1/2 cup (optional, for added sweetness)
Granny Smith apples
3 large (seeded and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Parsnips
2 medium (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups))
Dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the boneless pork shoulder, canned French onion soup, apple cider (or juice), Granny Smith apples, parsnips, and dried thyme.
2
Stir the mixture gently until the pork and vegetables are well coated.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
4
If you prefer a quicker cooking time, set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 to 5 hours.
5
To create a thicker gravy, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of water in a small bowl until smooth.
6
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir the flour mixture into the stew. Cover and cook on HIGH until the mixture boils and thickens.
7
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Pork Stew?
It is a hearty fall-inspired dish featuring boneless pork shoulder, Granny Smith apples, butternut squash, and parsnips slow-cooked in French onion soup.
What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder cut into 2-inch pieces.
How long does it take to cook on the LOW setting?
In a slow cooker, this stew should cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
Can I cook this stew faster on a HIGH setting?
Yes, you can cook the stew on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours if you are short on time.
What type of apples are best for this stew?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and firm texture hold up well during slow cooking.
How do I thicken the stew's gravy?
Mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of water until smooth, then stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking on HIGH.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the primary vegetables in this stew?
The main vegetables used are parsnips and butternut squash.
Is apple cider required for this recipe?
Apple cider is optional for added sweetness; you can also substitute it with apple juice.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of the stew?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of soup base is used?
The recipe uses one 10.75-ounce can of Campbell's French onion soup.
How should the parsnips be prepared?
The parsnips should be peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, totaling about 2 cups.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried thyme leaves.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat per serving is 12.5 grams.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving has 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the apples be peeled?
The instructions specify seeding and cutting the apples into 2-inch pieces, but peeling is optional based on preference.
When should I add the flour and water slurry?
Add the slurry in the last 10 minutes of cooking and ensure the cooker is set to HIGH to allow it to boil and thicken.
What can I serve with Autumn Harvest Pork Stew?
It is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by crusty bread.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, 1/2 cup of apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider.
How large should the pork pieces be?
The pork shoulder should be cut into 2-inch pieces for optimal cooking.
Do I need to brown the pork before adding it to the slow cooker?
The recipe does not require browning; you simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and begin cooking.
What size are the apple pieces?
The apples should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
Is there any fiber or sugar information available?
The provided nutritional data does not include specific values for fiber or sugar.
What makes this stew 'Autumn Harvest' themed?
The use of seasonal ingredients like apples, parsnips, and squash makes it a perfect dish for the fall season.
How do I know when the stew is finished cooking?
The stew is ready when the pork is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I garnish the stew?
Yes, it is recommended to garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
How much apple cider is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of apple cider or juice.
What is the preparation for the parsnips?
They should be peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, which is about 2 cups total.