The Best Pork Stew
This Pork Stew is rich in flavor and steeped in tradition. This dish promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. This recipe is a delightful blend of tender pork, aromatic herbs, and hearty vegetables. It is simmered to perfection to create a nourishing and delicious stew. This pork stew is simple to prepare and sure to become a family favorite. Let’s explore the steps to making this soul-soothing masterpiece.
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WHAT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL ASPECTS OF PORK STEW
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One of the most wonderful aspects of pork stew is its adaptability. Depending on the region and personal preferences. The recipe can be modified to include a variety of ingredients and spices. For instance, in Mexican cuisine, pork stew might feature a spicy tomato base and spices, creating a robust and fiery dish known as Pozole. In contrast, a European pork stew might lean towards a more classic combination of root vegetables with herbs. It is often accompanied by a splash of wine or beer to deepen the flavors.
OTHER RECIPE IDEAS:
Filipino Shrimp and Vegetable Stew
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INGREDIENTS
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SPICES:
Smoked paprika: Adding a medley of spices to your pork stew can transform it into a culinary masterpiece. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor profile to the dish. Smoked paprika, a key player in your spice blend, adds a rich smoky depth with a hint of sweetness. This vibrant spice red spice, made from smoked and dried pepper, infuses your stew with a subtle warmth. This also enhances the meat’s natural flavors and provides a rustic, earthy aroma.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These are the dynamic duo that lay the foundation of your stew’s savory essence. Garlic powder, made from dehydrated and ground garlic, delivers a mellow yet unmistakable garlicky flavor. It permeates the stew, ensuring every bite is infused with its characteristic pungency. Onion powder, similarly derived from dried onions, offers a sweet, robust onion flavor without the texture of fresh onion. Together, they create a harmonious and aromatic base that complements the pork beautifully.
Salt and red chili pepper flakes: Balancing and elevating the overall flavor profile. Sea salt, harvested from evaporated seawater, brings a clean, pure salinity that enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients, making them more pronounced. Red chili pepper flakes, with their fiery heat and peppery undertones, provide a welcome kick, adding a layer of complexity and excitement to the stew. Used sparingly, they offer a gentle warmth that lingers on the palate, leaving a memorable impression. Together, these spices create a symphony of flavors that make your pork stew a comforting and delectable dish.
THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS:
Olive oil
Yellow onion – chopped
Garlic – minced
Pork tenderloin – cut into bite-sized pieces or cut them to an inch-cubed
Tomato paste
Yellow potatoes – cut into cubes
Garbanzo beans – canned, and remove the outer skin
Bell pepper – cut into bite-sized pieces
Honey
Chicken broth
Frozen peas
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Time needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes
STEP BY STEP
- SPICES:
In a small bowl, combine all the spices.
- PREP THE MEAT AND SAUTE
Cut the meat into an inch-sized cubes. Heat a stockpot with oil, saute the onion and garlic for a minute or until aromatic. Add the spices and toast for a minute to release the flavor.
- COOK THE MEAT
Add the meat to the pot and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, potatoes, garbanzo beans, and bell pepper. To balance the flavor, add some honey, pour the chicken broth, and stir to combine.
- FINISH COOKING
Cover the pot, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer for an hour or until the meat and potatoes are tender. Garnish with parsley and serve with steamed rice or mixed veggies.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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For a delicious and tender pork stew, it’s best to use well-marbled cuts that can withstand slow cooking. Some excellent choices include pork shoulder (often labeled as pork butt or Boston cut), pork belly, and pork loin. These cuts are flavorful and become tender and succulent when simmered.
Pork stew typically benefits from slow cooking to develop deep flavors and tenderize the meat. On the stovetop, you should simmer the stew on low heat for about 2-3 hours. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Ensure the pork is fork-tender before serving.
Yes, pork stew freezes very well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot all the way through.
Common vegetables that pair well with pork stew include potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and bell peppers. You can also add root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves enhance the overall taste of the stew.
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RECOMMENDED RECIPES
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The Best Pork Stew
Equipment
- Soup Pot
- Ladle
- knife
- cutting board
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
SPICES
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 4 medium sized potatoes, cubed
- 15 oz. canned garbanzo beans
- 1 bell pepper, deseed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup green peas
Instructions
- COMBINE THE SPICES: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red chili pepper flakes. Set it aside.
- SAUTE THE AROMATICS: Heat the pot with oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until tender or translucent. Add the garlic and continue sauteing, then add the spices and cook for a minute or until toasted and become aromatic.
- ADD THE PORK AND SIMMER THE STEW: Add the pork and tomato paste to the pot and stir to combine. Stir in the potatoes, garbanzo beans, bell pepper, and honey. Add the chicken broth, and cover, then lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour or until the pork is tender. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- For the meat: you can substitute it with either chicken or beef but the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. If you want a vegetarian stew, you can use the same spices and add your favorite veggies, like mushrooms and beans.
- For the broth: you can substitute it with either vegetable broth or beef broth.
- Remember to add the spices at the beginning of cooking. Toasting your dried herbs and spices renders such aroma and releases wonderful flavors.
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GET A WEEK FREE OF MEAL-PREPPING RECIPES WITH A GROCERY LIST
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