Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This Pork and Beans alla Barbara is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines tender, succulent pork with creamy white beans in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Imagine pulling this hearty dish out of the oven, with its tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen and making everyone's stomachs growl in anticipation. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this Italian-inspired comfort dish promises to become an instant family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the pork shoulder into 1-inch pieces, chopping the onion finely, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Return the browned pork to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After an hour, add the drained white beans and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the pork is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or over rice to absorb the rich sauce.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Use pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) for maximum tenderness and flavor. The marbling ensures your meat stays juicy during the long cooking process.
- Brown meat in batches: Don't overcrowd the pot when browning pork. This ensures each piece develops a beautiful golden crust, which adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Low and slow is the key: Simmering the dish at a low temperature allows the meat to become incredibly tender and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Quality ingredients matter: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs if possible. The better your ingredients, the more delicious your final dish will be.
- Let it rest: Always allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors settle and makes the meat even more tender.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, over fluffy rice, or even with a side of simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
