Cider Pork Roast with Apple-Thyme Gravy

Ingredients

• 1 boneless pork shoulder roast (about 3 1/2 lbs.), tied (ask a butcher to do this)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/3 cup Calvados or other apple brandy
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, divided, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 4 Gala apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; divided
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon flour

Preparation

1. 1. Sprinkle pork with 1/2 tsp. salt, then brown in oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, turning as needed, 10 minutes. Transfer pork and pan juices to a 5- to 6-qt. slow-cooker. Add remaining 1 tsp. salt, the cider, Calvados, 1 tbsp. thyme, the pepper, and 1 sliced apple. Cover and cook until meat is very tender, about 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low.
2. 2. Meanwhile, about 20 minutes before pork is done, heat 2 tbsp. butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add remaining 3 apples and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and light golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; tent with foil.
3. 3. Transfer roast from slow-cooker to a platter and tent with foil. Strain slow-cooker juices and skim fat; set aside. Melt remaining 1 tbsp. butter in frying pan. Add flour; cook, whisking often, until golden and bubbling. Slowly whisk in juices and 1 tsp. thyme; cook until slightly thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a gravy boat.
4. 4. Slice pork, scatter with reserved apples, and drizzle with gravy. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve more gravy on the side.