Pork stew is a hearty, warming dish that's perfect for cold weather. The tender chunks of pork shoulder are combined with a variety of vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth to create a satisfying meal. This stew is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common and can be found in your local grocery store. However, you might need to check the meat section for the pork shoulder, which is the star of this dish. If you can't find it, any cut of pork will do, but shoulder is particularly good for stews because of its fat content and flavor. Sweet potatoes might be located in a different aisle than regular potatoes, so be sure to look for them.
Hearty Pork Stew Ingredients
Pork shoulder: This is a flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle flavor to the stew.
Onion: It adds a sweet and savory flavor.
Rosemary: Its pine-like fragrance enhances the taste.
Oregano: It adds an earthy, mild flavor.
Potatoes: They provide a chunky texture.
Sweet Potatoes: They add a sweet note to the stew.
Carrots: They give a nice color and sweet flavor.
Mushrooms: They add an earthy flavor.
Green beans: They add color and a fresh taste.
Chicken broth: It forms the base of the stew.
Tomatoes: They balance the richness with their acidity.
One reader, Derwin Lacy says:
This hearty pork stew recipe is a game-changer! The pork shoulder is so tender and flavorful, and the combination of vegetables and spices creates a rich and satisfying dish. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Hearty Pork Stew
How to brown pork and onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and onions and cook until the pork is browned on all sides and the onions are softened.
How to simmer covered: After adding the broth, tomatoes, and spices to the pot with the pork mixture, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the stew to gently simmer with the lid on for the specified time.
How to thicken stew: To thicken the stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer uncovered until the desired consistency is reached.
How To Make Pork Stew
Warm, hearty, and comforting, this pork stew recipe is also full of potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and a lot of other healthy vegetables.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbpork shoulder,or pork steaks, diced
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1onion,small
- ½tsprosemary
- ½tsporegano
- Salt and pepper,to taste
- 1cuppotatoes,peeled and diced
- 1cupsweet potatoes,peeled and diced
- 2carrots,diced
- 1cupmushrooms,sliced
- 1cupgreen beans,or peas
- 4cupschicken broth
- 15oztomatoes,diced, undrained
Instructions
-
In a large pot or dutch oven, brown pork with onions in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Remove from pot and set aside.
-
Add broth, tomatoes, and spices to the pot with pork mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour or until pork is fairly tender.
-
Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
-
Remove lid and stir in green beans. Thicken if desired and simmer an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Nutrition
- Calories: 444.28kcal
- Fat: 27.19g
- Saturated Fat: 8.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.14g
- Carbohydrates: 23.63g
- Fiber: 3.95g
- Sugar: 8.15g
- Protein: 26.23g
- Cholesterol: 85.31mg
- Sodium: 1085.95mg
- Calcium: 64.78mg
- Potassium: 1046.34mg
- Iron: 2.58mg
- Vitamin A: 366.95µg
- Vitamin C: 21.31mg
Essential Technique Tips for Perfecting Hearty Pork Stew
When browning the pork shoulder and onions, make sure to do so in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pot can lead to steaming instead of browning, which may affect the depth of flavor in your stew. Also, don't rush the simmering process. Allowing the stew to simmer gently helps the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Hearty Pork Stew
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up the prep work.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure efficient cooking and avoid mistakes that can waste time.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid unnecessary clutter and confusion.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multitask, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering on the stove.
Substitute Ingredients For Pork Stew Recipe
pork shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck roast: Beef chuck roast has a similar rich and hearty flavor to pork shoulder, and it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in a stew.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used as a substitute for olive oil in cooking and has a high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and searing.
rosemary - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a slightly earthy and floral flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the stew, and it can withstand long cooking times without losing its flavor.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram has a similar flavor profile to oregano but is slightly milder, making it a suitable substitute in the stew without overpowering the other ingredients.
potatoes - Substitute with turnips: Turnips have a similar texture to potatoes when cooked and can absorb the flavors of the stew while adding a slightly sweet and peppery taste.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a sweet and nutty flavor that can add a delicious twist to the stew, and its texture becomes tender when cooked, similar to sweet potatoes.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor than carrots, and they can add a unique taste and texture to the stew while holding up well during cooking.
mushrooms - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant can add a meaty texture to the stew and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, making it a suitable substitute for mushrooms in a hearty stew.
green beans - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar texture to green beans in the stew and add a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to maintain the savory flavor base of the stew while catering to vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences.
tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the stew, similar to tomatoes, and contribute to the overall heartiness of the dish.
Best Way to Present This Hearty Pork Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty pork stew, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the colorful array of vegetables and tender pork, and consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a touch of sophistication.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the stew just before serving. This not only adds a glossy sheen to the dish but also infuses it with a subtle richness.
Garnish with microgreens: Elevate the visual appeal and add a burst of freshness to the dish by garnishing with a small cluster of vibrant microgreens. The pop of green will provide a beautiful contrast against the rich colors of the stew.
Use a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the hearty pork stew in a unique and eye-catching vessel, such as a rustic ceramic bowl or a polished copper pot, to add an element of intrigue and elevate the dining experience.
Create a harmonious color palette: Pay attention to the arrangement of the ingredients in the bowl, aiming to create a visually appealing color composition. Arrange the vegetables and pork strategically to create a balanced and harmonious color palette.
Accentuate with edible flowers: For a touch of elegance, consider delicately placing a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, on top of the stew. This adds a sophisticated and artistic element to the presentation.
Add a finishing touch with a dusting of seasoning: Just before serving, lightly dust the stew with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika to add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Hearty Pork Stew
- Large pot or dutch oven: A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the stew, as it allows for even heat distribution and ample space for the ingredients to simmer together.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for prepping the vegetables and pork, ensuring safety and ease during the cooking process.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is indispensable for cutting and trimming the pork shoulder, as well as chopping the vegetables with precision.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the stew as it simmers, and its gentle touch prevents scratching or damaging the pot's surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors, making these tools essential for portioning out ingredients.
- Can opener: A can opener is necessary for opening the canned tomatoes, a key ingredient in the hearty pork stew.
- Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the stew, allowing for easy portioning and serving into individual bowls.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for handling the pork shoulder while browning it in the pot, providing a secure grip and preventing any accidents.
Storing and Freezing Hearty Pork Stew: A Guide
Allow the pork stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to freezer burn or spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the stew even more delicious the next day.
To freeze the stew for longer storage:
- Divide the cooled stew into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to minimize freezer burn.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and easy stacking.
Frozen pork stew can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, for the best flavor and texture, consume within 2 months.
To reheat the frozen stew:
- Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed stew to a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the stew in the microwave, stirring every 1-2 minutes to ensure even heating.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed pork stew, as this can negatively impact the texture and quality of the dish.
How to Reheat Leftover Pork Stew
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover pork stew to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the stew is evenly reheated without overcooking the vegetables or drying out the pork.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover pork stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the stew is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pork stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the stew is heated through. Stir the stew halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover pork stew to a slow cooker and reheat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover stew and want to keep it warm for an extended period.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the pork stew well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots. Also, ensure that the stew reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Interesting Facts About Pork Stew
The pork stew recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be customized with a variety of vegetables and herbs. It is a versatile meal that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. This stew is a great source of protein and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and wholesome option for a comforting meal.
Is Making Hearty Pork Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this hearty pork stew recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as pork shoulder, potatoes, carrots, and green beans, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of pork shoulder, a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, makes this recipe budget-friendly. The total cost for a household of four people is approximately $20-25, making it an economical choice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Hearty Pork Stew Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hearty pork stew recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to its variety of nutritious ingredients:
- Pork shoulder is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body
- The recipe includes a mix of vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and green beans, which provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Using olive oil for cooking adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish
- The combination of herbs and spices, like rosemary and oregano, not only enhances the flavor but also offers potential health benefits due to their antioxidant properties
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Trim any visible fat from the pork shoulder to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to help control the salt intake
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to pork for added fiber and nutrients
- Consider using whole grain flour or a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the stew instead of relying on the natural starches from the potatoes, which can raise the glycemic index of the meal
- Serve the stew with a side of leafy greens or a fresh salad to boost the overall nutritional value of the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Pork Stew Recipe
This hearty pork stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pork with a variety of flavorful vegetables. The cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty stew. The combination of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans adds a delightful mix of textures and colors. The use of chicken broth and tomatoes provides a robust base for the stew, while the addition of rosemary and oregano infuses the dish with aromatic and savory notes. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a cozy and delicious meal.
Enhance Your Pork Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Hearty Pork Stew
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Hearty Pork Stew
Why trust this Pork Stew Recipe:
This hearty pork stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that will warm your soul. The tender pork shoulder is cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth with onions, rosemary, and oregano. The addition of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and green beans creates a hearty and nutritious meal. With the use of high-quality olive oil and chicken broth, this recipe promises rich and robust flavors. Trust in this recipe to deliver a delicious and wholesome dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Brazilian Pork Stew with Corn Dumplings Recipe
Instant Pot® Pork Stew Recipe
Pork and Chickpea Stew with Orange and Cumin Recipe
Penne alla Vodka Recipe
Garlic Bread Recipe
Bean Cookie Dough Recipe
Baked Beef and Cheese Manicotti Recipe
Spumoni Gelato Bombe Recipe
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas Recipe
Bite-sized Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
