Pork stew with potatoes and peas

Pork stew with potatoes and peas - a dish full of flavor

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

A delicious pork stew with potatoes and peas is the perfect choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends. This recipe, rich in flavors and textures, will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your table. Combining juicy meat with fresh vegetables, the stew quickly becomes a staple recipe that should not be missing from anyone's culinary repertoire.

A bit of history

Stew is a traditional dish in many cultures, each with its own variation. It is usually a dish cooked slowly, allowing the ingredients to blend and enrich each other. This pork stew recipe with potatoes and peas brings together simple yet very tasty ingredients to create a dish that is both comforting and hearty.

Ingredients

- 700 g boneless pork shoulder
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 small can of peas (about 300 g)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 200 g peeled tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork shoulder under a cold running water. Patting it dry with a kitchen towel is essential to remove excess moisture, which will help the meat brown evenly. Cut the pork into suitable pieces, about the size of medium-sized cubes.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: Peel the potatoes, onion, and carrot. Cut the potatoes into quarters, the onion into small cubes, and the carrot into rounds. The peeled tomatoes can be diced into smaller cubes to integrate well into the stew.

3. Browning the meat: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pieces of meat and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This is an important step as browning enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.

4. Adding water and vegetables: Once the meat is well browned, add 2-3 cups of water (or enough to cover the meat). Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Then, add the carrot and onion, stirring well.

5. Adding potatoes and tomatoes: After the meat has simmered for more than half the time, add the potatoes and diced tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

6. Finalizing the dish: In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, drain the peas and rinse them under cold water. Add them to the pot, stirring gently. Season with salt, pepper, and if necessary, add more hot water to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Flavoring the stew: 5 minutes before turning off the heat, incorporate the tomato paste, dried thyme, and sliced garlic. Let everything simmer together so that the flavors combine perfectly.

8. Serving: Turn off the heat and let the stew rest covered for 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to intensify and make the dish even tastier. You can serve the stew with a slice of fresh bread or a green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Useful tips

- Choosing the meat: It is important to use pork shoulder with a little fat to achieve a juicy stew. The fat helps retain moisture, and the meat will be more tender and flavorful.
- Vegetable variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the dish. These will bring extra color and nutrition.
- Alternative spices: If you want to experiment, you can replace thyme with oregano or basil, which offer different and interesting flavors.
- Storing the stew: The stew keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary.

Nutritional benefits

This pork stew with potatoes and peas is not only tasty but also nutritious. Pork is an excellent source of protein, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that ensure energy. Peas add a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a balanced choice.

Calories

A serving of pork stew with potatoes and peas (about 250-300 g) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and meat used. It is a filling dish, but you can reduce the calories by using less oil or by cooking the meat in the oven without added fat.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can use chicken breast or thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter. This will make the stew lighter and less fatty.

2. What can I do if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes are an excellent alternative. Make sure to choose varieties without additives or sugar.

3. How can I make the stew spicier?
You can add a little chili pepper or red pepper flakes, depending on your preferences, to give the dish a spicy kick.

Pairings and serving

Pork stew with potatoes and peas pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of acidity. A good choice of drinks would be a dry red wine or a craft beer, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and start your culinary adventure with this pork stew recipe with potatoes and peas. It will surely become a favorite of the whole family! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 700 g boneless pork meat, 4 medium potatoes, 1 small can of peas, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 200 g peeled tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2-3 tablespoons oil, 1 clove of garlic, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme