Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet experience! This mouthwatering stewed pork recipe isn't just another ordinary dish - it's a symphony of flavors that combines tender, succulent pork with the rich, royal-hued purple sweet potatoes that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Imagine a one-pot wonder that promises to deliver comfort, nutrition, and an Instagram-worthy presentation that will have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups purple sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Peel and cube the purple sweet potatoes, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed pork shoulder. Sear the pork on all sides until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor to the dish.
- Once the pork is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Add the cubed purple sweet potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about
- 5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After the cooking time is complete, check the pork for tenderness. It should be fork-tender and easy to shred. If necessary, let it simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once done, taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious stewed pork and purple sweet potatoes!
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (also known as Boston butt) is ideal for stewing due to its marbling and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Searing is crucial: Take your time browning the pork. This step develops a deep, rich flavor foundation for your entire dish through the Maillard reaction.
- Purple sweet potato pro tip: These nutritious tubers not only add a stunning color but also provide extra antioxidants compared to regular sweet potatoes. Cut them in uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Low and slow is the secret: Patience is key in stewing. The long, gentle cooking process helps break down tough meat fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pork.
- Don't rush the seasoning: Allow the thyme and other seasonings to bloom and develop depth by adding them early in the cooking process.
- Make ahead friendly: This recipe actually tastes even better the next day, as flavors continue to meld and intensify overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
