Pork stew

Pork Stew - Delicious Recipe for Cold Days

Pork stew is a savory dish, perfect for chilly winter days. This meal not only warms your soul but also delights your taste buds with a rich blend of flavors. Prepared in a cauldron over a wood fire, the stew becomes a truly rustic feast, but it can easily be made on your stovetop as well. I invite you to discover how to create a perfect stew, step by step!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 1 kg pork (thigh is ideal)
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 4 large onions (I used red onion, but you can opt for white or yellow)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley

A Brief History
Stew is a traditional dish in many cultures, with countless variations. It is a meal that has been cooked for generations and is often associated with family gatherings, bringing loved ones around the same table. This pork stew recipe pays warm tribute to culinary traditions, being both comforting and hearty.

Step by Step - Preparing the Stew

1. Prepare the meat
Start by washing the pork well. Use cold water and ensure you remove any impurities. After washing, pat the meat dry with absorbent towels to remove excess water. Then, cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm, for even cooking.

2. Brown the meat
In a deep, thick skillet, heat the 4 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the meat cubes and let them sear. It is important not to overcrowd the pan, so the meat browns evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Leave the meat on the heat until all the water evaporates and it turns golden.

3. Add the onion
Once the meat is well browned, add the finely chopped onion. Keep the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

4. Include the garlic
Add the sliced garlic cloves and mix well. Garlic will add an unmistakable flavor to the stew. After 1-2 minutes, deglaze with a few tablespoons of warm water, covering the skillet with a lid to maintain moisture.

5. Add the tomatoes and spices
After 10 minutes, add the can of diced tomatoes. Add a few tablespoons of warm water, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix well and let the stew simmer on medium heat, covered, for about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

6. Finish the dish
Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the stew. This will add a fresh and delicious touch.

Serving
Pork stew is delicious served with:
- Fresh bread (which perfectly absorbs the sauce)
- Warm polenta (for a traditional meal)
- Pickles (a pleasant contrast of flavors)
- Sour cream (for added creaminess)

It also pairs well with sides like rice, potatoes, or pasta. Experiment and find the perfect combination for you!

Practical Tips
- Choosing the meat: Choose pork with a bit of fat for a juicier and more flavorful stew.
- Types of onion: Red onion adds a sweet note, while white onion offers a less sweet flavor. Choose what you prefer!
- Spicy version: If you like spicy food, you can add a bit of chili pepper during cooking.
- More aromatic garlic: You can replace sliced garlic with minced garlic for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute pork with beef. Cooking will take a bit longer, but the result will be just as tasty.

2. How can I store the stew?
The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Pork stew is a good source of protein. You can make healthier versions by reducing the amount of oil or adding vegetables.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of pork stew (approximately 200 g) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and other added ingredients. It is rich in protein and provides a significant amount of iron, essential for blood health.

Final Notes
Pork stew is not just a dish; it is a culinary experience that evokes family meals, warmth in the kitchen, and winters spent with loved ones. Try this simple and delicious recipe, customize it to your taste, and enjoy every bite!

Enjoy your meal!

We wash the meat and gently pat it dry with absorbent paper. When well dried, we cut it into suitable cubes. In a deep, thick pan, we heat the oil. We add the meat cubes and let them cook over high heat until all the water evaporates and the meat browns nicely. Once the meat is evenly browned, we add the chopped onion. We keep the pan on medium heat to soften the onion (about 10 minutes), after which we add the sliced garlic. We deglaze with a few tablespoons of warm water and cover the pan, keeping it on medium heat (10 minutes). We add the diced tomatoes, a few tablespoons of warm water (to prevent burning), salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. We simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes over medium heat. In the last few minutes, we taste the spices and add more if necessary. We turn off the heat and sprinkle the finely chopped parsley on top. We serve with fresh bread, polenta, pickles, sour cream, and various side dishes (rice, potatoes, pasta)! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg pork (leg); 4 tablespoons of oil; 4 medium onions (I used red, but use whatever you have); 4 cloves of garlic; 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 gr.); 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 bunch of parsley.