Although we think of autumn as the best time for this dish, it's good anytime of the year. Serve it to family or company for a great meal that really doesn't take much time and is very delicious.
2 T. vegetable oil
2 lb. boneless center cut pork loin, trimmed
Kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, thickly sliced
2 carrots, thickly sliced
2 celery stalks, thickly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
5 leaves fresh sage
4 T. cold, unsalted butter, divided
2 apples peeled, cored and cut into 8 slices
2 T. apple cider vinegar
1 c. apple cider
2 T. whole grain mustard
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven proof dutch oven over high heat.
Generously season pork loin all over with salt and pepper. Sear meat until golden brown on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer meat to a platter; set aside.
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, herb sprigs and 2 T. butter to the dutch oven; stir until vegetables are browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in apples; push mixture to the sides; place pork loin in the center with the meat's juices on the platter.
Transfer to the oven; roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat registers 150 - 155 degrees, about 40 minutes.
Transfer pork to a cutting board; cover loosely with aluminum foil while making the sauce.
Arrange apples and vegetables on a clean serving platter; set aside. Discard herb sprigs. Return dutch oven to the stovetop to a high heat; add the vinegar, scraping the bottom to loosen up browned bits. Reduce by half; add the cider; reduce by half again. Remove dutch oven from the heat; whisk in mustard and remaining cold butter. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut meat into 1/2 inch thick slices; arrange on platter over the apple mixture. Drizzle some sauce over meat. Serve the remaining sauce on the side.
4-6 servings.