When it comes to comforting, soul-warming dishes, a hearty pork and white bean stew is a classic that never goes out of style. This stew is the kind of meal that feels like home, offering rich, savory flavors and a satisfying, hearty texture that’s perfect for colder months. The combination of tender pork, creamy white beans, and savory vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth, creates a dish that is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. With the added depth of tomato, garlic, and paprika, this stew is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What makes this Pork and White Bean Stew truly timeless is its simplicity and versatility. Pork, a rich and flavorful meat, is combined with earthy white beans, which provide a creamy texture and a substantial bite. The stew benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a deeply satisfying dish that is perfect for serving family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want a filling meal that’s easy to prepare, this stew ticks all the boxes.
Stews like this one have been passed down through generations in various cultures, each adding their own twist to the dish. The ingredients may vary slightly depending on region or preference, but the heart of this stew—the combination of pork, beans, and vegetables—is universal. The result is a dish that is comforting, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this delicious, hearty stew.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients for the Pork Stew:
- Pork Neck (or Pork Shoulder): 500 g, cut into cubes
- Onion: 200 g (approximately 1 large onion), chopped
- Carrots: 200 g (approximately 2 medium carrots), peeled and sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): 400 g
- Tomato Paste: 3 tablespoons
- Mustard: 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle tangy depth)
- Water: 1 liter
- Vegetable Oil: 1.5 teaspoons
- Sweet Paprika: 1.5 teaspoons (gives warmth and color)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Black Ground Pepper: To taste
- Chili Flakes: To taste (optional, for heat)
- Salt: To taste
Ingredients for the White Beans:
- White Beans (dried): 450 g
- Water: 2 liters
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (for the beans)
Steps on How to Make Pork Stew with White Beans:
- Prepare the White Beans:
Begin by rinsing the dried white beans under cold water. Soak them in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Let them soak for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for the best results. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking. - Cook the White Beans:
In a large pot, add the soaked white beans and cover them with 2 liters of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the beans and set them aside. - Prepare the Pork Stew Base:
While the beans are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to develop deep, savory flavors in the stew. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the pork is browned, add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. - Build the Flavor:
Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, and sweet paprika to the pot with the pork and vegetables. Stir well to combine. The tomato paste will help thicken the stew and give it a rich, deep flavor. Add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and season with black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer some heat. - Simmer the Stew:
Pour in the water (1 liter) and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors are well melded. - Combine Beans and Stew:
Once the pork is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful, add the cooked white beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine, and let the stew simmer for another 20 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors of the stew. - Final Seasoning:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. If you like your stew spicier, add more chili flakes to your taste. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (including soaking and cooking the beans)
Total Time: 4-5 hours
Servings: 6-8 servings
KCAL (per serving): Approximately 350-400 kcal (varies depending on portion size)
Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless
Pork stew with white beans is the kind of dish that brings together simple, affordable ingredients to create something extraordinary. The long, slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, producing a deeply flavorful broth that is both hearty and comforting. The addition of white beans makes the stew a complete meal, offering a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The pork neck or shoulder, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, is the perfect cut for stews because it becomes meltingly soft after hours of slow cooking.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. It can be enjoyed with a variety of sides, whether that’s freshly baked bread, rice, or a green salad. It’s also a great make-ahead meal, as the flavors continue to develop and improve after a day or two in the fridge. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is the kind of dish that satisfies the soul and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
- Fat: 12-15 g
- Fiber: 8-10 g
- Sodium: 800-900 mg (depending on salt content)
FAQs:
1. Can I use canned white beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried beans to save time. Use about 2 cans (400 g each) of drained and rinsed beans. Add them to the stew in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
2. Can I use a different cut of pork?
You can use pork shoulder or pork belly as alternatives to pork neck. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat becomes tender.
3. How spicy is the stew?
The stew can be made mild or spicy, depending on your preference. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely for a milder version.
4. Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips on How to Make the Perfect Pork Stew:
- Browning the Pork: Be sure to brown the pork in batches, if necessary, to ensure it gets a good sear. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to the stew.
- Low and Slow: The key to a great stew is slow cooking. Allow the pork to simmer gently, which will help break down the connective tissues and make the meat tender.
- Beans: If using dried beans, always soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. Alternatively, you can quick-soak them by boiling for 2 minutes and letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Pork stew with white beans is the kind of dish that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the soul. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility make it a timeless recipe, loved by many for generations. With tender pork, creamy white beans, and a hearty broth, this stew is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, over rice, or as a standalone dish.