Pork stew with mashed potatoes

Pork Stew with Mashed Potatoes: A Feast of Flavors and Comfort

When it comes to comfort food, pork stew with mashed potatoes is a true favorite! This classic recipe perfectly combines succulent meat with creamy mash, creating a meal that warmly embraces you on cooler days. Plus, it’s a simple and accessible recipe that can be made with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for the stew:
- 800 g pork shoulder
- 2 red onions
- 1 bell pepper (you can choose between red, yellow, or green)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 2-3 canned tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence (or other preferred herbs)
- 1 cup red wine (a medium-quality wine will work wonders)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- A pinch of chili jam (optional, for a bit of spice)

Ingredients for the mash:
- 1 kg white potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup milk (or more, depending on preference)

A Touch of History:
The origins of pork stew are lost in the mists of time, being a popular dish in many cultures. This recipe has been cooked for generations, bringing people together around the table. Whether prepared on festive days or ordinary ones, stew has always represented a symbol of warmth and hospitality.

Step by step guide to making the recipe:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the pork shoulder well. Use a kitchen towel to dry it. Cut the meat into cubes of about 3-4 cm – don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform, cooking will make them delicious!

2. Searing the meat:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This is when the meat will reveal its flavors!

3. Adding the vegetables:
Chop the red onions and garlic finely. Add them to the pot with the meat and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and mix well.

4. Seasoning the stew:
Add the bay leaves, red wine, and canned tomatoes (chopped). Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this stage, the wine will add depth of flavor and help tenderize the meat.

5. Finishing the stew:
When the liquid reduces, add the remaining wine, salt, pepper, herbs de Provence, sugar, and chili jam, if using. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the meat is well cooked and the sauce has thickened.

6. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them in halves or quarters. Boil them in salted water until soft, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the water and mash them well, adding butter and milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Taste and add salt if necessary.

7. Serving:
Serve the pork stew hot, alongside the creamy mash. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving suggestions:
For a perfect lunch, serve this pork stew with assorted pickles or a crunchy cabbage salad. You can also add a slice of fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the pork shoulder with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- How can I store the stew?
You can keep the stew in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for later consumption.
- Is this recipe suitable for diets?
Pork stew is high in protein, but make sure to adjust portions if you are monitoring caloric intake.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but pork is an excellent source of protein and B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism. Potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates and fiber, contributing to a balanced meal.

Possible variations:
To add a unique flavor, you can try adding mushrooms or carrots to the stew. You can also make it spicier with fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create a delicious and comforting meal! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: pork stew: 800g pork meat, 2 red onions, 1 bell pepper, 2-3 bay leaves, 2-3 canned tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence, 1 cup red wine, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 bunch of parsley, a pinch of hot pepper jam. mashed potatoes: 1kg white potatoes, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 cup milk.

 Tags:  pork stew mashed potatoes