Onion stew with pork

Onion stew is a dish that brings not only delicious flavors but also precious childhood memories. This simple and comforting recipe is perfect for moments when you want to enjoy a warm meal full of tastes. With a combination of succulent meat and caramelized onions, the stew becomes a dish that will delight your taste buds. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time:
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 300 g pork (preferably thigh, but you can also use chicken)
- 10 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (make sure you have enough for frying)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 can of diced tomatoes in juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the pork into strips, ensuring they are not too thin, so they do not dry out during cooking. Chop the onions finely, and dice the bell pepper. These details are important as the size of the ingredients will influence the texture of the stew.

2. Heating the oil: In a deep pot, heat the oil. It is essential to use enough oil to fry the onions; otherwise, they will boil, and the flavor will suffer.

3. Frying the meat: Add the strips of meat to the hot oil and lightly fry them until they turn white on all sides. There is no need to cook them completely at this stage, as they will continue to cook later.

4. Cooking the onions: Remove the meat from the pot, and in the same pan, add the chopped onions. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. This step is crucial, as caramelized onions will provide sweetness and flavor to the dish.

5. Adding the bell pepper: Once the onions have softened, add the diced bell pepper and let it cook for a few more minutes for the flavors to combine.

6. Including the tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and canned tomatoes, mixing well. When the mixture starts to boil, reintroduce the meat into the pot.

7. Simmering the stew: Cover the ingredients with water and let it simmer on low heat. This will allow the meat to become tender and the flavors to blend. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid does not reduce too much.

8. Seasoning: Once the meat is cooked, adjust the stew with salt and pepper to taste. It is important to adjust the spices, as they can completely transform the dish.

9. Finalizing the dish: Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving and variations

Onion stew is usually served warm, accompanied by a side of polenta or fresh bread, which can absorb the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a summer salad or pickles for a contrast of textures and flavors.

If you want to experiment, you can replace pork with chicken or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms or tofu. Additionally, adding spices like paprika or oregano can give your recipe a new taste.

Useful tips:
- Patience: Cook the onions over medium-low heat to allow them to caramelize slowly. This will give the dish a rich and complex flavor.
- Checking the meat: Use a fork to check if the meat is tender. If it falls apart easily, it is done.
- Storage: The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and becomes even tastier the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional information
This onion stew recipe is a good source of protein, vitamins (especially vitamin C from the onions and bell pepper), and minerals. It is also a dish that can be relatively easily adapted for different diets, depending on the type of meat or ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or even turkey. Each type will add a distinct flavor to the stew.

- What can I do if I don’t have tomato paste?
You can use tomato puree or, in its absence, tomato sauce. The taste will be slightly different but just as delicious.

- How can I enhance the flavor of the stew?
Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can bring an extra layer of flavor. Additionally, a splash of white wine can intensify the flavors.

In conclusion, onion stew is a classic and versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a gathering with friends, it will surely be appreciated by everyone. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g pork (I used the thigh) 10 medium onions 1 bell pepper oil 3 tablespoons broth 1 can diced tomatoes in juice salt, pepper 1 bunch of parsley

 Tags:  onion stew with pork