This recipe for slow-cooked pork stew is my comfort food go-to; it’s like getting a warm hug in a bowl after a long day. The hearty mix of tender pork, savory veggies, and rich broth makes me feel like I’m enjoying something truly homemade and nurturing without all the hassle.
This is a recipe I truly enjoy for Pork Stew, slow-cooked and hearty. The meat used is tender pork shoulder.
Add to that earthy mushrooms and vivid carrots, those three ingredients blended together make a perfect trifecta of texture. The dish isn’t just protein-rich, though.
The meal you have in front of you is also fiber-rich, thanks to all the vegetables involved. But here’s something surprising: While you’re likely to serve this up alongside some kind of bread (because of the name, ‘stew’), it also happens to be a pretty low-carb affair.
Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder: Rich in protein, delivers hearty flavors for a robust stew.
- Onion: Basic aromatic, adds depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic: Boosts immune health, enhances savory taste.
- Carrots: High in fiber and beta-carotene, impart a mild sweetness.
- Celery: Adds crunch, low-calorie source of vitamin K.
- Potato: Provides carbohydrates, making the stew satisfying and hearty.
- Mushrooms: Earthy flavor, low in calories, rich in B vitamins.
- Diced Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C, contributes umami and acidity.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season the pork shoulder cubes with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and brown on all sides. Add to a slow cooker.
2. In the identical frying pan, introduce the diced onion and sauté until see-through, approximately 5 minutes. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Move the aromatic mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Include the sliced carrots, the sliced celery, and the diced potato in the slow cooker.
4. Add the mushrooms that have been sliced to the slow cooker.
5. Over the slow cooker ingredients, pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
6. Incorporate the tomato paste, dried thyme, and paprika. Include the bay leaves and blend thoroughly.
7. Place the slow cooker lid on top and set it to cook for 7 to 8 hours on low or for 4 to 5 hours on high. When it is done, the pork should be tender to the point of falling apart, and the vegetables should be thoroughly cooked.
8. Adjust the seasoning of taste with salt or pepper as per requirement.
9. Before serving, remove the bay leaves.
10. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add an appetizing touch. Enjoy this hearty slow-cooked pork stew!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Slow cooker
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Can opener
9. Ladle
10. Serving dish or bowls
FAQ
- Q: Can I use another cut of pork for this stew?A: Sure, you can use pork butt or even pork loin, but pork shoulder is the best choice if you want something tender and full of flavor. Why? Because it has a lot of marbling.
- Q: Is there a way to make this stew spicier?A: Without question, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a jalapeño that has been chopped for heat.
- Q: Can I make this stew in advance?A: Yes, this stew can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days, and its flavor only gets better over time. To reheat, do so gently, on the stove.
- Q: Is it possible to freeze leftovers?A: Certainly. Allow the stew to cool completely. Then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?A: Yes, use about 3–4 fresh tomatoes, chopped. You may need to add a bit more salt to taste.
- Q: What sides go well with this stew?A: Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice are perfect accompaniments.
Substitutions and Variations
You may substitute beef chuck roast, cut into cubes, for the pork shoulder.
You can substitute vegetable oil or avocado oil for olive oil.
If you lack fresh garlic, you can replace it with garlic powder, 1 teaspoon.
You can use sliced zucchini as a substitute for mushrooms.
You can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley instead of fresh parsley.
Pro Tips
1. Searing the Pork: To enhance the flavor of the stew, ensure that the pork cubes are browned thoroughly on all sides before transferring them to the slow cooker. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that makes a significant difference in the final dish.
2. Deglazing the Pan: After sautéing the onion and garlic, use a splash of chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This process adds extra flavor to the stew and ensures nothing is wasted.
3. Veggie Texture: Cut the carrots, celery, and potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer firmer vegetables, consider adding them halfway through the cooking time rather than at the beginning.
4. Herb Infusion: For even more aromatic depth, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme in place of or in addition to the dried thyme. Tie the sprigs together for easy removal before serving.
5. Finishing Touch: For a brighter flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. This will enhance the flavors and provide a nice balance to the hearty stew.
Slow Cooked Pork Stew Recipe
My favorite Slow Cooked Pork Stew Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Slow cooker
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Can opener
9. Ladle
10. Serving dish or bowls
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season the pork shoulder cubes with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and brown on all sides. Add to a slow cooker.
2. In the identical frying pan, introduce the diced onion and sauté until see-through, approximately 5 minutes. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Move the aromatic mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Include the sliced carrots, the sliced celery, and the diced potato in the slow cooker.
4. Add the mushrooms that have been sliced to the slow cooker.
5. Over the slow cooker ingredients, pour the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
6. Incorporate the tomato paste, dried thyme, and paprika. Include the bay leaves and blend thoroughly.
7. Place the slow cooker lid on top and set it to cook for 7 to 8 hours on low or for 4 to 5 hours on high. When it is done, the pork should be tender to the point of falling apart, and the vegetables should be thoroughly cooked.
8. Adjust the seasoning of taste with salt or pepper as per requirement.
9. Before serving, remove the bay leaves.
10. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add an appetizing touch. Enjoy this hearty slow-cooked pork stew!
