Pork and Potato Stew
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This Pork and Potato Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy pork chunks with soft, flavorful potatoes in a mouth-watering broth. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect meal to gather everyone around the dinner table.
Easy Pork And Potato Stew
This Pork and Potato Stew is a cherished recipe from my childhood, something my mom used to whip up almost every week. It’s a simple, hearty dish that combines tender pork and soft potatoes in a savory, comforting broth. Every bite takes me back to those cozy family dinners, filled with love and the irresistible aroma of this stew simmering on the stove.
- Olive Oil: You’ll need this to sauté the onion and brown the pork. You can substitute it with vegetable oil or butter.
- Onion: This brings a sweet and aromatic base to the stew. If you’re not a fan, shallots or leeks make great alternatives.
- Pork Tenderloin: You can also use pork chops. Chicken or beef can also step in as tasty substitutes.
- Garlic: Adds depth with its earthy flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t available, a pinch of garlic powder can do the trick.
- Potatoes: I love using Yukon gold potatoes, but you can try using russets or even sweet potatoes.
- Red Bell Pepper: It contributes sweetness and a bit of tang. Any color bell pepper will work, or try carrots for a sweet addition.
- Diced Tomatoes: For a touch of acidity. Fresh tomatoes or diluted tomato paste are good stand-ins.
- Hot Sauce: This gives your stew a spicy edge. Adjust to your taste, or use dried chili flakes or cayenne pepper as alternatives.
- Ground Cumin: Brings in a warm, earthy note. If cumin isn’t your thing, coriander is a nice substitute.
- Paprika: Adds color and a subtle sweetness. For a smoky flavor, switch to smoked paprika.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors. Adjust these seasonings to suit your palate.
- Water: My mom always uses water but for more flavor, chicken or vegetable broth are excellent options.
- Fresh Parsley: Perfect for garnishing and adding a burst of freshness.
You know, one of the best things about this dish is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. Let me walk you through it:
Start by heating up some olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion to the pot and cook for a couple minutes until it’s translucent and aromatic. Next up, toss in the pork and garlic, along with the potatoes and peppers. Stir and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the pork is no longer pink.
Here’s where you add the tomatoes, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and water. Give it all a good stir, then bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer. This is when those potatoes get nice and tender, and everything melds together – about 20 minutes should do the trick. Don’t forget to stir gently every now and then.
Finally, garnish the stew with some freshly chopped parsley and serve with some nice crusty bread. And there you have it! A hearty, flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cozy night in. It’s really that simple
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, first brown the pork in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients (except for the garnish). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the parsley just before serving for that fresh burst of flavor.
What’s the best kind of potato to use for this stew?
You want a potato that holds its shape well when cooked. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great choices as they’re waxy and don’t break down easily during the simmering process. But honestly, you can use whatever you have on hand; just be aware that some potatoes might get a bit softer in the stew.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Chicken thighs or beef chunks can be excellent substitutes for pork tenderloin. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, skip the pork and add more veggies like carrots, mushrooms, and celery. You can also throw in some beans or lentils for added protein. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian stew.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Pork Well: Don’t rush the browning of the pork. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors in the stew. Ensure the pork is well-seared on all sides for that extra flavor boost.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the pork and sautéing the onions, use a bit of broth or water to deglaze the pan. This process lifts all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, ensuring they get incorporated into the stew for maximum taste.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Make sure to chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and ensures every bite is perfectly tender.
- Balance the Flavors: If the stew tastes too acidic due to tomatoes, a pinch of sugar can help balance it out. Likewise, if it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Let it Rest: Stews often taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. If you can, make it a day ahead and reheat it for an even more delicious meal.
Storage
Let the stew cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. If you’re looking ahead, this stew freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Discover More Delicious Stews
- Crockpot Beef Stew
- Chicken Stew
- Oxtail Stew
- Beef and Pea Stew
- Beef Bourguignon
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
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Pork and Potato Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound potatoes (pealed and chopped in 1 inch pieces)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- hot sauce ( to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- salt and pepper ( to taste)
- 3 cups water
- fresh parsley (chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a large non stick skillet heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot enough, add the chopped onion and cook until onion is translucent.
- Add the pork and garlic to the onion. Add the potatoes and red pepper to the skillet.
- At this point we just want to cook the meat until no longer pink, for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomatoes, hot sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper and water to the skillet and stir. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat and cover with a lid and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through. Make sure to gently stir occasionally.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and sour cream if preferred.
Notes
- Pork Tenderloin Alternatives: While pork tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs or beef chunks for a different take on this classic stew.
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well during cooking. However, any type of potato you have on hand can be used, just be aware of varying cooking times.
- Spice Adjustments: The level of heat in this stew is adaptable. Start with a small amount of hot sauce and adjust according to your taste preference. Add more as needed for extra spice.
- Stew Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off to thicken.
- Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Enjoy!
