When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm bowl of comforting stew, and Pork Stew is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
Packed with tender pork, vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is a soul-soothing, hearty meal that's easy to make and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that only gets better the longer it simmers, allowing the flavors to meld together into something truly special.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to create a flavorful, tender pork stew that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this pork stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its savory combination of pork, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs, this stew is hearty, healthy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Stew
- Tender and Flavorful: The pork slowly cooks in a rich broth, making it tender and packed with flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: A perfect one-pot meal that is comforting and filling, with plenty of vegetables and protein.
- Easy to Make: It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal prep and can be made in under two hours.
- Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables, herbs, and seasoning to suit your tastes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For this hearty pork stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the pork)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon gold or Russet potatoes work best)
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional, for added flavor)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Thickening (optional):
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, if you prefer a thicker stew)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if using flour or cornstarch)
Instructions
1. Brown the Pork
Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the pork on all sides for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Once browned, transfer the pork to a plate and set it aside. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the stew.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. If you’re using celery, add it along with the onion for extra flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the Broth and Wine
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the browned pork back into the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the dry white wine (if using). Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits—this adds extra flavor to the stew.
4. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. During this time, the pork will become tender, and the flavors will blend together beautifully.
5. Optional: Thicken the Stew
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing the flour or cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the broth to thicken to your desired consistency.
6. Final Seasoning and Garnish
Once the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Remove the bay leaves, and sprinkle the stew with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
7. Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting touch. Enjoy your hearty pork stew!
Tips for the Best Pork Stew
- Use the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is ideal for stews because it’s a well-marbled cut that becomes tender as it slow-cooks. If you prefer leaner meat, pork loin can also be used, but it might not be as juicy or tender.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Browning the pork before adding it to the stew is an essential step to develop deep, savory flavors. Don’t skip this step, even though it adds a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the stew, like parsnips, turnips, or green beans, depending on your preference. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Let It Rest: Stews often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Consider making this stew in advance and reheating it for an even richer taste.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this pork stew in a slow cooker. After browning the pork and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender.
FAQs About Pork Stew
1. Can I use other cuts of pork for this stew?
Yes, while pork shoulder is the best choice for stew due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use other cuts like pork loin or pork stew meat. Just keep in mind that pork loin is leaner and may become dry if overcooked, so be sure to monitor it closely. Pork stew meat is often pre-cut from the shoulder, so it’s also a good alternative.
2. Can I make this stew without wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can simply substitute the white wine with more broth or even apple cider for a touch of sweetness. The wine adds depth of flavor, but it’s not essential for the stew to be delicious.
3. Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! This pork stew is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, sweet potatoes, or even green beans. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Root vegetables work especially well in stews as they hold up during the long simmering process.
4. Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes! In fact, this stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. How can I make the stew spicier?
If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper (like jalapeño or serrano) when sautéing the onions and garlic. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder for an extra kick.
6. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, this pork stew can be easily adapted for the slow cooker. After browning the pork and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The result will be just as flavorful as the stovetop version!
This hearty pork stew is the perfect meal for any occasion, offering tender pork, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or freezing it for later, this stew will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!
Post a Comment