Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty pork stew simmered with seasonal root vegetables and enriched with sweet Quebec apple cider for depth and warmth. This french-inspired pork ready in about 85 minutes pairs pork shoulder, diced, medium carrots, peeled and chopped, medium parsnips, peeled and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 6 French cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs diced pork shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 chopped carrots and 2 chopped parsnips, cooking for another 5 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups Quebec apple cider and 2 cups chicken broth, then add 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until the pork is tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Remove thyme sprigs and adjust seasoning before serving hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider?

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 Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider 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 Rustic Pork Stew with Root Vegetables and Quebec Apple Cider?

French pork 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.

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