Pork Stew

Imagine a steaming bowl of pork stew, rich with the aroma of garlic and thyme, and the heartiness of tender pork and soft, flavorful vegetables.

This comforting dish is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a cozy evening at home.

As the ingredients meld together over a gentle simmer, the pork becomes succulent, and the broth transforms into a savory delight.

Let’s bring this delicious dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef’s knife
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 ladle

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Pork Stew, here is a suggested timeline:

  1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
    • Review the recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and equipment needed.
  2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
    • Gather all the ingredients and equipment.
    • Cube the pork shoulder.
    • Chop the onion.
    • Mince the garlic.
    • Slice the carrots.
    • Peel and cube the potatoes.
  3. Cooking Process (2 hours)
    • 0:00 – 0:10: Heat vegetable oil in the pot over medium-high heat (5 minutes). Brown the pork cubes on all sides (5 minutes).
    • 0:10 – 0:15: Remove pork from the pot.
    • 0:15 – 0:20: Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
    • 0:20 – 0:22: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
    • 0:22 – 0:25: Return the pork to the pot and add chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
    • 0:25 – 1:25: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
    • 1:25 – 1:30: Add carrots and potatoes to the pot.
    • 1:30 – 1:32: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • 1:32 – 2:15: Continue simmering for another 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Resting Time (10 minutes)
    • 2:15 – 2:25: Let the stew rest before serving.

Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving and consider adding additional vegetables as desired.

Also, adjust the time based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides, then remove from the pot.

In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Return the pork to the pot and add chicken broth and water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.

Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Continue simmering for another 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a satisfying crunch.
  • Steamed Rice: A simple base that complements the rich and hearty stew.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Enhances the creamy texture and pairs well with the tender pork.
  • Green Salad: Offers a revitalizing contrast with its crisp and fresh ingredients.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Adds an extra layer of flavor and a healthy side to the meal.

Storage

To store leftover pork stew, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze pork stew, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air.

Label with date. Store for up to three months.

Reheating

When reheating pork stew, use low heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Stir occasionally for even heating.

For best results, add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Pork stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring some basic ingredients and kitchen tools.

It involves a few steps: browning the pork, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering everything together until the flavors meld beautifully.

The key to a great pork stew lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the meat to become tender and the vegetables to absorb all the savory goodness.

Don’t forget to let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving, as this enhances the flavors even more.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal, and be sure to share it with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Stew?

Yes, you can substitute pork with beef or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time: beef needs 2.5 hours for tenderness, while chicken requires only 1 hour. Make sure you brown the meat properly to develop rich flavors.

How Can I Make the Stew Spicier?

To make the stew spicier, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes while sautéing the onion. Alternatively, add 1-2 chopped jalapeños with seeds. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.

What Wine Pairs Well With Pork Stew?

Pair your dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a fruity Zinfandel. These wines balance the stew’s richness, enhancing flavors. Serve at 60-65°F for ideal taste. Decant for 20 minutes before serving.

Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this stew in a slow cooker. Brown the pork, onions, and garlic first. Transfer to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Is It Possible to Make This Stew Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Substitute Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative. Guarantee all ingredients, especially broth, are labeled gluten-free. Verify seasonings and tomato paste for hidden gluten. Adjust spices to taste.

hearty pork stew recipe

Pork Stew

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pound pork shoulder cubed
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cup water
  • 3 large carrots sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides, then remove from the pot.
  • In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Return the pork to the pot and add chicken broth and water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Continue simmering for another 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

To enhance the flavor of your Pork Stew, consider searing the pork in batches to ensure even browning and avoid steaming the meat. Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving, and feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added texture and flavor.
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