Æbleflæsk: How To Make Danish Apple Pork

Æbleflæsk is a famous Danish dish made from cured or salted pork belly that is fried with apples, thyme, and sugar. The apples are often cooked with chopped onion. There are many variations, ranging from a sweet apple mash with small bacon cubes to larger slices of slightly salted and fried pork, served on a plate with fried apples and onions.

The pork belly is cooked in a skillet in a standard version today, accompanied by pieces of tart apples. They are combined with spices and sugar while the apples are frying. These ingredients create a sweet, salty, and savory dish that has been a classic favorite throughout time.

To learn how to make this dish yourself, follow the recipe below. This is a great unique meal to prepare for a special occasion. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with family and friends. 

Danish Apple Pork

  • Author: Romae Chanice Marquez
  • Recipe Category: Dessert / Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Danish

This dish is often enjoyed with beer and snaps. Where the recipe came from is not apparent. In some areas, such as Funen, it is valued, while in other parts of the country, it is less popular.

The whole preparation and cooking time for this dish is 40 minutes. This recipe is suitable to at least 8 servings. 

Photo credit: honestcooking.com

Danish Apple Pork Ingredients

  • 2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced
  • 10 slices of Applewood Thick-Sliced Bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • ½ tablespoon sugar
  • Kosher salt
  • ⅓ cup water
  • Rye bread
  • Chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Danish Apple Pork Instructions

Step 1: Cook bacon over medium heat in a small skillet until the bacon is crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and place on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 2: Reserve the bacon drippings, at least 1 teaspoon. Heat the 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon dripping over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the apples, sage, cinnamon, and kosher salt seasoning.

Step 3: Cook until apples start to soften slightly. Add 1⁄3 cup water and reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until apples are soft and have broken down slightly.

Step 4: Remove the lid and cook until it reaches the desired consistency when the mixture is too watery.

Step 5: Preheat oven to 375 ° F. Cut the rye bread in the shapes you want. Place the bread on the baking sheet and cook for about 3 minutes per side in the oven until fully toasted.

Step 6: Apple mix, bacon, and chives are the perfect rye bread toasts. Serve right away.

Danish Apple Pork Additional Information

  • The pork and apples are combined when ready to serve, cold or dry, and rugbrød is served on the side. The apples are instead cooked in water in alternative versions, and the pork belly is baked in the oven.
  • Per serving, this recipe has 245 calories, 18 mg of cholesterol, 182.5 mg of sodium, 2.5 g of protein.
  • This dish will take 40 minutes to fully prepare.
  • This recipe is suitable to serve 8 people.

Image source: nordicfoodliving.com

About Danish Apple Pork

Danish cuisine evolved from the local produce of the peasant population. It was improved by the techniques of cooking developed in the late 19th century and the broader availability of products during and after the Industrial Revolution.

When prepared and decorated with a range of fine ingredients, open sandwiches, known as smørrebrød, can be considered a national specialty. Usually, hot meals are made with meat or fish.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making this unique Danish dish! For more international recipes, click here.

Featured Image: nordicfoodliving.com/ / Image 1, nordicfoodliving.com/ / Image 2