Pea stew with pork

Pea stew with pork – A comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

I invite you to join me on a culinary journey full of flavor and color, where peas and pork come together harmoniously to create a delicious and comforting dish. This recipe has been passed down through generations, reminding us of family meals and the moments spent together. Here’s how you can recreate this wonderful dish, step by step!

Necessary ingredients:

- 600 g pork (choose a piece with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 800 g frozen peas (you can also use fresh peas, but make sure they are well cleaned)
- 1 medium onion (adds a sweet and aromatic flavor)
- 1 carrot (will add a note of sweetness)
- 200 ml tomato juice (you can use freshly squeezed tomato juice for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste (for an extra flavor boost)
- 1 bay leaf (adds a note of complexity to the taste)
- 1 tablespoon of flour (to thicken the sauce)
- Sweet paprika (to taste, for a touch of color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh dill (for a splash of freshness at the end)

Necessary utensils:

- Pressure cooker (to save time and achieve tender meat)
- A large pot
- A sharp knife
- A wooden spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork well, ensuring you remove any impurities. Cut the meat into medium-sized cubes. Peel the onion and carrot, then chop them into small cubes. This step is essential as the vegetables will cook evenly and contribute to the richness of the flavor.

2. Cooking the meat: Place the meat and chopped vegetables in the pressure cooker. Add a pinch of salt, the bay leaf, and enough water to cover the ingredients. Close the lid of the pot and let it boil for 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving tender and juicy meat.

3. Cooling the pot: After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pot cool naturally. This will allow the steam to dissipate, and you will be able to safely open the lid.

4. Adding the peas: Carefully transfer the meat and vegetables to the large pot. Now is the time to add the frozen peas. Let it boil over medium heat until the peas become tender, about 10-15 minutes.

5. Preparing the sauce: While the peas are boiling, in a small bowl, dissolve the tablespoon of flour in cold water. This will help thicken the sauce. Once the peas are well cooked, add the tomato juice and pepper paste, followed by the flour mixture. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it boil for a few minutes, stirring gently to avoid lumps.

6. Finalizing the dish: When the sauce has thickened and homogenized, add the chopped fresh dill. This will bring an extra touch of freshness and flavor to your dish.

Serving suggestions:

This pea stew with pork is served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. If you want to impress, serve it with a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade.

Possible variations:

- For a spicy taste: Add a little chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking.
- For a vegetarian version: You can replace the pork with tofu or mushrooms, keeping the rest of the ingredients.
- Add other vegetables: The carrot can be replaced or complemented with parsnip or celery, bringing a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This dish is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Peas are an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, and vitamins (especially vitamins C and K). Pork provides quality protein and iron, essential for the body's health. A serving of this dish will have around 350-400 calories, depending on the servings.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use fresh peas? Yes, but make sure they are well cleaned and boiled until tender.
- What other spices can I add? You can experiment with thyme, basil, or oregano to give it a different flavor.
- How can I store the dish? This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be easily reheated.

Personal note:

This pea stew with pork is not just a delicious dish but also a memory of Sunday meals in my family. With every bite, I feel like I am transported back in time to the meals around which we all gathered. I encourage you to try it and personalize it to your taste, adding a touch of your own culinary story.

Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 800 g frozen peas, 600 g pork, one onion, one carrot, 200 ml tomato juice, one tablespoon of mashed peppers, one bay leaf, one tablespoon of flour, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, dill.

 Tags:  pea stew with pork