Creamy Pork and Vegetable Stew

This creamy pork and vegetable stew is a heartwarming and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender pork, cooked with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, is coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with double cream and butter. This recipe brings comfort to the table with its simple ingredients, yet the flavors are layered to create a balanced, wholesome meal. Ideal for family dinners or when you want to treat yourself to something savory, this pork stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the stew:

  • 800g Pork (preferably shoulder or pork belly, cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • Butter (for sautéing)
  • 1 Onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 2 Bell Peppers (sliced or diced)
  • A handful of Parsley (chopped)
  • 400g Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 packet of Double Cream (approximately 200ml)
  • Salt and Pepper (to taste)
  • Water or Broth (as needed for cooking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Pork: Cut the pork into bite-sized cubes. If you’re using pork shoulder, trim excess fat but leave some for flavor.
  2. Vegetables: Peel and chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and potatoes. Dice the bell peppers and roughly chop a handful of parsley for garnish.

Step 2: Sauté the Pork

  1. Brown the pork: Heat a large pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a knob of butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to foam, add the cubed pork. Brown the pork on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, making sure to get a nice sear.
  2. Season the pork: While browning, season the pork with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot, add a little more butter if needed and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the carrots and bell peppers: Toss in the diced carrot and bell peppers, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Combine Pork and Vegetables

  1. Return the pork to the pot: Add the browned pork back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.
  2. Add potatoes: Toss the cubed potatoes into the pot, stirring everything together to combine.

Step 5: Add Cream and Simmer

  1. Pour in the cream: Slowly pour the packet of double cream (about 200ml) into the pot, stirring to evenly coat the pork and vegetables. The cream adds richness and a luxurious texture to the dish.
  2. Add water or broth: If the mixture looks too thick, add about 1/2 to 1 cup of water or broth (chicken or vegetable) to help create a smooth stew consistency.
  3. Simmer the stew: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the stew simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the liquid levels—add more water or broth if necessary. The stew is ready when the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for a little heat.
  2. Garnish with parsley: Remove the stew from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color.

Step 7: Serve

  • Serve the creamy pork and vegetable stew hot with a side of crusty bread or rice. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the tender pork and vegetables creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a quiet night in.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Yes! This recipe works well with chicken thighs or beef, depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken may cook faster, while beef might take longer to become tender.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil. For the cream, opt for coconut milk or a plant-based cream to maintain a rich texture.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Certainly. This recipe is versatile, and you can add vegetables like green beans, peas, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Pork Stew

  1. Choose the right cut of pork: Pork shoulder or pork belly work best for this recipe, as these cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin, which can dry out during the long cooking process.
  2. Don’t rush the browning: Properly searing the pork adds depth to the flavor of the stew. Make sure your pot is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the meat, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
  3. Use a rich broth for added flavor: If you want to intensify the flavor, use a homemade or store-bought chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. It adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.
  4. Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can reduce the amount of liquid or simmer the stew uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes to let the sauce thicken.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
  2. Freezing: This stew freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. Reheating: To reheat the stew, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or cream to loosen it if it has thickened during storage.

Conclusion

This creamy pork and vegetable stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory richness of pork with the smoothness of double cream and the wholesome flavors of vegetables. It’s a simple, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family gathering. With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe offers plenty of flavor, and its versatility allows you to make it your own.

Whether you’re serving it for dinner or reheating it for lunch the next day, this stew is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. The combination of tender pork, creamy potatoes, and sweet bell peppers in a rich, velvety sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!