Classic Pork Stew Recipe: 3 Pork Stew Variations
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Sep 17, 2024 • 3 min read
Hearty, flavorful pork stew is a great choice on a cold winter night. Learn how to make pork stew, along with tips for selecting the right cut of pork and accompaniments.
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What Is Pork Stew?
Pork stew is a savory dish consisting of pork roast (usually boneless pork shoulder or pork loin) and assorted vegetables in an aromatic sauce, cooked down to a velvety, gravy-like consistency. Recipes for pork stew vary depending on the location and preferences of the cook. Like beef stew, they often feature dried herbs, warm spices, sweet potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and a sauce built on tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
3 Pork Stew Variations
Pork stew is a reliable one-pot comfort food packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. There are many variations of the classic dish around the world:
- 1. Mexican pork stew: Mexican pork stews feature pork and beans (like kidney, pinto, or black beans) in a broth seasoned with ground cumin, dried chili powder, like paprika or cayenne, and fresh jalapeños. Common garnishes and accompaniments include fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
- 2. Irish pork stew: This type of stew uses malty Irish stout and sharp, floral caraway seeds to build its broth. It also features potatoes, pork shoulder, and sliced carrots.
- 3. Italian pork stews: Regional Italian pork stews, like those in Tuscany, incorporate white wine, juniper berries, and savory, wild herbs like sage and rosemary.
3 Tips for Making Pork Stew
There are many variations on pork stew, but here are a few tips to consider:
- 1. Choosing the right cut of pork. Pork tenderloin is the traditional pork stew meat, thanks to its high percentage of fat. It’s the quintessential low-and-slow cut, turning fall-apart tender as it infuses the surrounding broth with deep pork flavor. (You may also use pork chops paired with lardons to enhance the amount of rendered fat in the pot.)
- 2. Cook the stew in a multi-cooker. Instead of cooking pork stew on the stovetop, you can build the dish in a multi-cooker by browning the meat and onions on the sauté function before adding the broth and additional veggies. You can also make the stew in a slow cooker to give the pork ample time to turn tender and allow the flavors to meld overnight.
- 3. Types of foods to pair with pork stew. Pork stew is a meal in and of itself, but it also pairs well with a warm slice of cornbread, fresh pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
Classic Pork Stew Recipe
makes
prep time
10 mintotal time
1 hr 10 mincook time
1 hrIngredients
- 1
Place the pork in a large bowl, and season it with salt and pepper. Add flour to the bowl and toss to coat.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat. Combine the fennel and coriander in a mortar and pestle and crush lightly.
- 3
Working in batches, sear the pieces of pork in an even layer until it achieves a golden-brown hue, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces.
- 4
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, add the fennel seeds, coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and stir to incorporate.
- 5
Add the tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomato paste has darkened a shade and caramelized a bit, then add the dried oregano, rosemary, and potatoes, and stir to combine.
- 6
Add the diced tomatoes and stock, and stir to combine. Season the stew with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and return the pork to the pot. Cover and cook until the pork and potatoes are fall-apart tender, about 30 minutes.
- 7
Add the beans and greens, and cook 10 minutes more, until soft. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 8
Garnish the stew with parsley, and serve.
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