Pork Stew: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Dish

There's nothing like the comforting aroma of a hearty pork stew simmering on the stove to make your home feel warm and welcoming. 

This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you want to serve a flavorful, nourishing meal that can feed a crowd. Pork stew combines tender chunks of pork, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth for a meal that’s satisfying, simple to prepare, and ideal for leftovers. In this article, we’ll guide you through a delicious pork stew recipe and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the perfect result.

Why Choose Pork for Stew?

While beef is a common go-to for stews, pork offers a lighter, more subtly sweet alternative. Pork has a mild flavor that absorbs spices and seasonings beautifully, making it a versatile choice for a variety of stew styles, from classic European to Asian-inspired versions. Additionally, pork cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt are well-marbled, which makes them ideal for slow-cooked stews as they become incredibly tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the stew:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), cut into 1-2 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups of beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine (or extra broth if you prefer non-alcoholic)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional additions:

• 1 cup peas or green beans (added near the end of cooking)
• A handful of mushrooms, sliced and sautéed separately
• 1 tablespoon flour (for a thicker stew)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Pork

Start by patting your pork pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better when seared. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a rich, brown crust. Remove the pork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. If necessary, add a little more oil to prevent sticking. Add the carrots and potatoes, stirring them around to pick up any browned bits left in the pot from the pork.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the white wine (or broth if not using wine) and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the stew. Let the liquid reduce by about half, which should take 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Add the pork back to the pot, along with the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients with the seasonings. Then, pour in the broth until the pork and vegetables are just covered.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’d like to add peas or green beans, stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken the broth.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once the pork is tender and the stew has reached your desired consistency, remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This pork stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or even rice to soak up the rich broth. You can also serve it with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best cut of pork for stew? The best cuts of pork for stew are those that have a good amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking to create tender, flavorful meat. Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal for this purpose. You can also use pork loin, but it’s leaner and may not become as tender as shoulder when simmered.

2. Can I make pork stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, follow the same initial steps of searing the pork and sautéing the vegetables on the stovetop. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.

3. How can I make my stew thicker? There are a few ways to thicken your stew. One option is to add a slurry made of flour and cold water during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Another method is to let the stew simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Some people also like to mash a few of the cooked potatoes and stir them back into the stew for a natural thickener.

4. Can I use different vegetables? Yes! Pork stew is highly versatile, and you can swap out or add vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, or even bell peppers for a twist. Greens like spinach or kale can also be stirred in toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients.

5. How long will leftovers keep? Pork stew stores very well, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

6. Can I freeze pork stew? Yes, pork stew freezes beautifully! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.

7. What can I substitute for wine in this recipe? If you prefer not to use wine in your cooking, you can replace it with additional broth. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, which mimics the wine's ability to balance the richness of the stew.

Conclusion

Pork stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors with melt-in-your-mouth pork and tender vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is easy to customize and guaranteed to become a favorite. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a flavorful, heartwarming stew that will have everyone coming back for seconds.