Potato stew with meat
Potato Stew with Meat - Simple and Satisfying Recipe
Who doesn't love a warm and comforting stew, especially on chilly winter days? This potato stew with meat recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor. With just a few essential ingredients, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious dish that warms your soul. Let's discover together the steps to achieve the perfect stew!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork shoulder, boneless
- 1.5 kg potatoes
- 3 large onions
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or flour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley and dill, for garnish
A Brief History
Potato stew with meat is a traditional dish served in many cultures, often associated with family meals or moments when we want to indulge ourselves. This simple yet delicious recipe brings together the flavors of meat with the soft texture of potatoes, creating a comforting main course, perfect for winter evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the pork and cutting it into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will ensure even cooking. It's important to choose quality pork shoulder with moderate fat content for a juicy stew.
2. Sautéing the meat
In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they turn white on all sides. This step is essential to seal in the juices and provide intense flavor.
3. Adding the onion
Peel and chop the onions into large cubes. Place them in the pot over the meat and continue to sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion will add sweetness to the dish, and together with the meat, it will create a flavorful base.
4. Seasoning
Add the sweet paprika and bay leaf. Mix well to combine the flavors, then pour in hot water until the meat is covered. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the meat becomes tender.
5. Adding the potatoes
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. When the meat is almost cooked, add the potatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently stir and let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are well cooked.
6. Thickening the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. When the potatoes are ready, add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and stir well. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
7. Finishing the dish
Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Add the chopped parsley and dill for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Serving
Serve the potato stew with meat hot, alongside assorted pickles. These will add a pleasant contrast of taste and texture, making the meal even more delicious. Enjoy your meal!
Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Make sure to use quality pork, and that the potatoes are firm and blemish-free. Starchy potatoes are not recommended as they may break apart during cooking.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to add more depth to the flavor. An interesting variation is to add a few olives for a Mediterranean touch.
- Cooking techniques: If you want a stew with a more intense flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when you add the water to enrich the aroma.
- Thickening the sauce: If you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour, but make sure to dissolve it well in cold water to avoid lumps.
- Complementary recipes: This stew pairs perfectly with a fresh cabbage salad or warm homemade bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use beef instead of pork?
Of course! Beef will bring a different flavor but will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to let it simmer until tender.
- How can I make the stew spicier?
Adding a pinch of chili powder or a few slices of fresh chili will give the dish a spicier kick.
- Is this recipe suitable for diets?
Potato stew with meat can be a balanced meal, but if you want to reduce calories, you can cut down on the oil used or use lean meat.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: An excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium, which supports heart health.
- Pork: Rich in protein and B vitamins, it contributes to muscle development and maintaining energy.
- Onions and greens: They are rich in antioxidants and help strengthen the immune system.
This potato stew with meat is more than just a meal; it's a cooking experience that brings together flavors and traditions, offering a moment of enjoyment in every spoonful. Don't forget to add your personal touch, perhaps through an additional recipe or by sharing the meal with loved ones. Cook with love and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 1 kg pork shoulder without bone, 1.5 kg potatoes, 3 large onions, 2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 bay leaf, 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour), salt and pepper, parsley, dill.
