Southern Fried Apples and Onions Delight
Experience the comforting flavors of the countryside with this delightful dish of fried apples and onions. Rooted in tradition, this recipe combines the savory richness of crisp bacon or salt pork with the sweetness of tart apples and the mild sharpness of yellow onions. With an optional touch of brown sugar to enhance the dish's natural sweetness, this recipe is perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a side for any meal. Serve alongside fried potatoes for a complete country-style breakfast that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon or salt pork
1/2 lb (sliced)
yellow onions
6 (peeled and thinly sliced)
tart apples
6 (cored and sliced into circles)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by frying the bacon or salt pork slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they are browned and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a warm serving platter and set aside.
2
While the meat is frying, peel the yellow onions and slice them as thinly as possible to enhance their flavor and texture in the dish.
3
Prepare the tart apples by coring them and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick circles. Keeping the peels adds color and structure to each slice, but feel free to peel them if the skins are tough or damaged.
4
Once the meat is set aside, drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes until they start to soften.
5
Next, layer the sliced apples evenly over the onions in the skillet, then sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
6
Once done, carefully transfer the fried apples and onions to the warm serving platter along with the bacon or salt pork. Serve immediately and enjoy this scrumptious country dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Fried Apples and Onions Delight?
It is a traditional country dish that combines the savory richness of bacon or salt pork with the sweetness of tart apples and mild yellow onions.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced bacon or salt pork.
Which type of onions are best for this dish?
Yellow onions are recommended for their mild sharpness and ability to soften beautifully when fried.
What kind of apples should I use?
Tart apples are ideal as they provide a flavor contrast to the savory meat and sweet brown sugar.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Keeping the peels is recommended for color and structure, though you can peel them if the skins are tough.
How should the apples be sliced?
The apples should be cored and sliced into 1/4-inch thick circles.
How many onions are required?
The recipe uses 6 yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 6 tart apples for this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the dish.
How much fat should be left in the skillet?
After frying the meat, drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat to cook the onions.
How long do the onions cook before adding apples?
The onions should be cooked over medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
How do I prepare the meat?
Fry the bacon or salt pork in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy.
Where do I put the meat while cooking the vegetables?
Transfer the cooked meat to a warm serving platter and set it aside while you finish the dish.
What is the cooking method for the apples?
Layer the apple slices over the onions, sprinkle with sugar, and cook covered until tender.
Can I substitute the salt pork?
Yes, bacon is an excellent substitute for salt pork in this recipe.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is traditionally served with fried potatoes for a complete country-style breakfast.
Is this dish intended for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for a hearty breakfast but can also be served as a side for any meal.
Why should I leave the apple skins on?
Leaving the skins on adds vibrant color and helps the apple slices maintain their shape during cooking.
How thin should I slice the onions?
The onions should be sliced as thinly as possible to enhance their flavor and texture.
What texture should the finished apples have?
The apples should be cooked until they are tender.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, this dish is rooted in Southern countryside traditions.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While yellow onions are specified for their mild flavor, other varieties can be used depending on preference.
Does the recipe require stirring?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the apples and onions from sticking or scorching.
Is the brown sugar mandatory?
The brown sugar is an optional touch used to enhance the natural sweetness of the tart apples.
What heat level should I use for frying the meat?
The bacon or salt pork should be fried over medium heat.
What heat level is used for the onions?
The onions should be cooked over medium-high heat.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies hunger.
Can this be made dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses animal fat for frying instead of butter.
How do I serve the final dish?
Transfer the apples and onions to the platter with the meat and serve immediately while warm.
Why is the skillet covered during the apple cooking phase?
Covering the skillet helps steam the apples so they become tender without burning.