Pork and onion stew

Onion stew with pork: a delicious and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When talking about comfort food, onion stew with pork is definitely one of those recipes that embraces you with its rich flavors and savory texture. This traditional dish, passed down from generation to generation, is perfect for cool days or moments when you want to enjoy a warm and comforting meal.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of red onion (red onion adds a sweet note and a vibrant color to the dish)
- 2 red bell peppers (for a sweet taste and a crunchy texture)
- 300 g of pork (choose the best meat, preferably from the pork shoulder)
- 50 ml of oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also use olive oil for a more pronounced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (for an extra burst of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (adjust the amount to taste)
- A pinch of pepper (or more if you like it spicy)
- A bunch of parsley leaves (for garnish and a fresh note)

Step by step in preparing the stew:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion and slicing it thinly. You can use a sharp knife or even a food processor to save time. Then, remove the stems and seeds from the bell peppers and slice them thinly. The pork should be cut into cubes of about 2-3 cm, so it cooks evenly.

2. Heating the oil: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough before adding the onion to sauté it evenly and retain its sweetness.

3. Sautéing the onion: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and stir occasionally. After a few minutes, add the bell pepper and 50 ml of water. This step will help the onion and pepper to sweat, concentrating their flavors. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, covering the pot with a lid to retain the steam.

4. Adding the meat: Once the onion and pepper are well sautéed and have taken on a golden color, add the pork cubes. Mix well to combine them with the onion and peppers. Ensure that all ingredients are coated with oil and the juices released.

5. Boiling the stew: Add water to the pot until the meat is completely covered. Cover the pot again with the lid and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes. It is important not to lift the lid too often, as this will allow steam to escape.

6. Finishing the dish: After the meat has boiled, add the two tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing well to combine with the other ingredients. Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes to intensify the flavors.

7. Serving the stew: When the stew is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the onion stew with pork hot, alongside creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. It also pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread, and a salad of pickled vegetables or green salad will add a fresh and crunchy contrast.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the meat: Opt for pork with a little fat, as this will add juiciness to the stew. The shoulder part is ideal.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, such as eggplants or zucchini.
- Additional seasonings: For a unique touch, you can add spices like sweet or hot paprika, or even a few bay leaves during cooking.
- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour diluted in water before putting the lid on the pot, mixing well.

Nutritional information:

Onion stew with pork is an excellent source of protein due to the pork, and the onion brings a lot of antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, the bell pepper contributes to the intake of vitamin C, essential for the immune system. A serving of stew (about 250 g) contains around 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the side dishes.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.

2. What type of tomato paste should I use?
You can use store-bought tomato paste or make a fresh one from ripe tomatoes.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, the stew can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

4. What other recipes can it be combined with?
Onion stew with pork goes excellently with creamy polenta, but also with mashed potatoes or even rice.

So, enjoy this onion stew with pork, a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of red onions, 2 red bell peppers, 300 g of pork, 50 ml of oil, 2 tablespoons of broth, a pinch of pepper, 1 tablespoon of salt, a bunch of parsley leaves.

 Tags:  onion stew