Ingredients
- 2 juniper berries
- 4 tbsp gin, warmed
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 x 175g/6oz thick, boneless pork steaks
- 150ml ¼ pint English apple juice, the cloudy varieties have more flavour
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche
- mashed potato and buttered savoy cabbage, to serve
Method
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Crush the juniper berries coarsely using a pestle and mortar or rolling pin.Warm the gin in a small pan then pour over the juniper berries and leave to soak for 20 minutes. Trim the pork – leave on a little fat for flavour and to keep it moist. Drain the juniper berries, reserving the gin.
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In a mini blender, or using a pestle and mortar, pound the garlic, rosemary and coriander seeds with the juniper berries and 2 tbsp olive oil. Spread the mixture over the pork. Cover and marinate for as long as possible (preferably overnight if you have the time).
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Heat the remaining oil in a small non-stick frying pan until very hot. Add the pork and cook quickly on both sides until golden. Pour in the gin – boil fast until it disappears or set light to it and let the flames burn down – this removes the raw alcohol taste. Pour in the apple juice. Scrape the pan to loosen any sticky bits. Bring to the boil.
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Half cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes until the pork is cooked and the sauce reduced but not too thick. Remove the pork to a warm plate. Swirl the crème fraîche into the sauce. Bring back to boil and boil rapidly for 1-2 minutes until it’s syrupy, then season to taste. Serve the pork and sauce with mashed potatoes and savoy cabbage, tossed with butter and finely sliced garlic.