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This recipe for Tender Stewed Pork with Vegetables is the perfect dish for those seeking a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The slow cooking of pork with a variety of aromatic vegetables and spices results in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The combination of fresh ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic, seasoned with cumin, coriander, and curry, gives this dish a delightful depth of flavor. It’s an excellent dish to prepare on a cold evening when you want something hearty and comforting.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Pork – 1 kg
Carrots – 350 g

Onion – 150 g
Celery – 70 g
Garlic – 3 cloves

Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp
Wheat flour – 1.5 tbsp
Tomato paste – 2 tbsp

Ground coriander – ½ tsp
Ground cumin – ½ tsp
Ground black pepper – ½ tsp

Curry powder – ½ tsp
Salt – 1 tsp
Water or broth – 500 ml

Parsley (for garnish) – 10 g

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by cutting the pork into medium-sized chunks. Peel and slice the carrots, chop the onions, and dice the celery. Mince the garlic finely. This preparation step will help you easily proceed through the cooking process.

2. Sear the Pork

In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork pieces, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Sear the pork until it’s browned on all sides, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat helps to lock in the flavors and gives the pork a delicious texture. Once browned, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Using the same skillet (with the flavorful drippings from the pork), lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

4. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste

Now it’s time to enhance the flavor with spices. Add the ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, and curry powder to the vegetables. Stir the mixture well to ensure the vegetables are coated with the spices. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook everything for 2-3 minutes. This step will give the dish its rich, robust flavor.

5. Incorporate the Flour

Sprinkle 1.5 tablespoons of wheat flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly. Cooking the flour for 1-2 minutes will help thicken the sauce later without leaving a raw taste. The flour also helps to bind the sauce and give it a smooth consistency.

6. Simmer with Liquid

Pour in 500 ml of water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth works best for added flavor). Stir to combine everything, ensuring that there are no lumps of flour. Return the seared pork to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork stew for 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Check for Tenderness

After simmering, check the tenderness of the pork by inserting a fork. If it’s easy to pull apart, the pork is perfectly done. If not, continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the pork is tender, turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Cooking Tips:

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork: For the best results, use pork shoulder or pork butt, which are both well-suited for slow cooking and become tender and flavorful after stewing.
Adjusting the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, feel free to add a little more water or broth to loosen it up.
Layering the Spices: Don’t rush the process of toasting the spices with the vegetables. Allowing them to cook for a couple of minutes brings out their full aroma and adds depth to the dish.

Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have parsley, you can use cilantro or even thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for a more colorful and nutrient-rich meal.

Storage:

This stewed pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring the sauce back to its desired consistency.

If you want to store it longer, freeze the pork and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Calories: 450-500 kcal
Protein: 35 g

Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pork with beef, chicken, or lamb. However, cooking times may vary based on the meat. Beef, for instance, may require a slightly longer cooking time, while chicken will cook faster.

2. Is it necessary to sear the meat before stewing?

Searing the pork adds extra flavor to the dish and helps the meat retain its juices. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

3. What side dishes pair well with this stewed pork?

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. It’s also delicious when served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

4. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the pork and sautéing the vegetables, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender.

5. Can I add wine to the recipe?

Yes, for an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with ½ cup of white or red wine before adding the broth. This adds a richer taste to the stew.

Conclusion:

This Tender Stewed Pork with Vegetables is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender pork, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. With a bit of patience and slow cooking, this dish will reward you with melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s bursting with flavor.