This comforting pork stew is rich, tender, and packed with flavorful vegetables, making it perfect for chilly days or when you crave a warm, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cubed (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef stock
- 1 cup dry white wine (or additional stock)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or rice
Instructions
- Sear the Pork
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in the white wine (or a splash of stock) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Build the Stew
- Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, stock, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the Potatoes and Squash
- Add the diced potatoes and butternut squash (if using). Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips
- For a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth.
- Add peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra veggies.
- Make it ahead of time—stew tastes even better the next day!
Enjoy this hearty pork stew for a cozy and satisfying meal!