Pork shoulder stew is the epitome of comfort food on a chilly evening. This hearty dish fills your home with enticing aromas as it simmers on the stove. The tender pork, paired with savory vegetables and fragrant spices, creates a stew that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quiet night in, this recipe for pork shoulder stew is sure to become a favorite in your household.
**Pork Shoulder Stew**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 bay leaves
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder pieces in batches and brown on all sides. Remove the pork and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables with the spices.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef or vegetable broth, red wine, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Return the browned pork shoulder to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the diced potatoes to the stew and continue to simmer, uncovered, until the pork is tender and the potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes.
8. Stir in the frozen peas and allow them to heat through for a few minutes.
9. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
10. Ladle the pork shoulder stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.
Enjoy this flavorful and soul-warming pork shoulder stew as a delightful meal to share with loved ones. Its rich and savory broth, combined with tender pork and hearty vegetables, is certain to bring comfort and joy to your table. Try this recipe on a cozy evening and let the fragrance of home-cooked goodness fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.
