Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney
A tender pork shoulder roasted with fresh herbs, served with a sweet-tart apple chutney that balances the rich meat. This french-inspired mediterranean ready in about 225 minutes blends trimmed pork shoulder, olive oil, chopped rosemary into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, trimmed pork shoulder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped rosemary
- 2 tbsp, chopped thyme
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 large, diced onion
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup, chopped apples
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season the 3 lbs pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Step 3: Remove pork and set aside. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the Dutch oven, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, and 1 tsp mustard powder, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Return the pork to the Dutch oven. Add 1 cup apple cider, 1 cup chopped apples, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup honey.
- Step 5: Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for 3 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily pulls away from bone.
- Step 6: Remove pork, let rest for 15 minutes, then slice. Strain cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer until reduced by half. Serve pork with the reduced sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 225 minutes (25 min prep + 200 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Roasted Pork Shoulder with Apple Chutney?
French mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 200-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better mediterranean dishes though.