The melding together of the spices, apples and dates adds an amazing depth of flavour and sweet tenderness to this lovely pork casserole. Make with lamb or hogget in place of pork. The cooking time will be similar.
1.2 kg lean pork
¼ cup standard flour
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 medium crisp eating apples, peeled, cored and sliced thickly
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
2–3 tsp mild curry powder or Indian-style curry paste
grated zest of 1 orange
¼ cup orange juice
2 tbsp lemon juice
1¼ cups chicken stock
150 g pitted dates, halved
coriander leaves to garnish
Cut the pork into 4 cm cubes. Toss the pork with the flour in a plastic bag.
Spread onion and garlic evenly over the base of the slow cooker.
Add the apple slices and place the pork on top of the apples. Sprinkle any remaining flour over the pork.
In a bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, curry powder or paste, orange zest, and orange and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
Add the chicken stock to this mixture, stir well and gently pour over the pork.
Cover with the lid and cook following the times and settings suggested.
Thirty minutes before the completion of the cooking, add the dates, pushing them down into the liquid. Replace the lid and continue to cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with couscous or rice and your favourite greens or a crisp salad.