Capsaicin Free Apple Cider Roast Pork Loin
Roast pork and apples are one of those classic combinations that never gets old, and this version leans into the pairing with unfiltered apple cider, honey, and a braising bed of Honeycrisp wedges and sweet onion. The spice rub — built from thyme, rosemary, ginger, turmeric, and Ceylon cinnamon — delivers real warmth and depth without a single hot pepper or capsaicin-containing ingredient in sight, making it a genuinely satisfying option for anyone who needs to avoid that particular compound. So many spiced pork recipes sneak in chili powder, cayenne, or paprika, but this one gets all its complexity from aromatics that are naturally heat-free. The two-stage roasting method starts hot to brown the exterior, then drops low and slow so the loin stays juicy all the way through. Pan drippings get thickened with arrowroot into a glossy, cider-forward sauce that you'll want to spoon over every single slice. It's the kind of centerpiece dish that looks impressive on a platter but comes together with straightforward technique and pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the pork
- 2 ½ lb boneless pork loin roast
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, crumbled
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ceylon cinnamon
For the roasting pan
- 3 medium apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and cut into 1-inch wedges
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
For the braising liquid
- 1 cup unfiltered apple cider (not hard cider)
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
For the pan sauce
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the pork loin completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, dried thyme, dried rosemary, ginger, turmeric, and Ceylon cinnamon. Rub the coconut oil all over the pork, then press the spice mixture evenly onto all sides.
- 2
Scatter the apple wedges, onion wedges, smashed garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs across the bottom of a large roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Pour the apple cider, bone broth, apple cider vinegar, and honey over the apples and onions, and stir briefly to combine.
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