Hearty and Delicious: Pork and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe

This Pork and Sweet Potato Stew is the ultimate comfort food! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender pork, sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a chilly evening, this stew is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s a one-pot wonder that the whole family will love.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Hearty:** The combination of pork, sweet potatoes, and aromatic vegetables creates a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup is always a win!
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork:** 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes. Pork shoulder is the best option due to its marbling, which helps keep the pork tender and flavorful during the long cooking time. You can also use pork loin, but be mindful not to overcook it to prevent it from drying out.
* **Sweet Potatoes:** 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the stew. They are also packed with vitamins and fiber.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. Onions form the base of the flavor profile, adding a savory and aromatic element.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the savory flavor and adds a pungent aroma.
* **Carrots:** 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced. Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew, as well as provide essential nutrients.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped. Celery contributes to the aromatic base of the stew, adding a subtle savory flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 6 cups chicken broth. Chicken broth provides the liquid base for the stew and adds depth of flavor. You can also use vegetable broth or beef broth, depending on your preference.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes add acidity and richness to the stew.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth of color.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the pork.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous flavor.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. Rosemary complements the pork and vegetables with its distinct aroma.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf adds a subtle complexity to the flavor profile. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sour cream, or a dollop of plain yogurt.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** A Dutch oven is ideal for making stews because it distributes heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven. A heavy-bottomed pot will also work well.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and preparing the pork.
* **Sharp Knife:** For chopping vegetables and preparing the pork.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring ingredients accurately.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the stew.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Pork

* Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better.
* Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.

### 2. Sear the Pork

* Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the pork in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pot and cause the pork to steam instead of sear. Sear each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
* Remove the browned pork from the pot and set aside.

### 3. Sauté the Vegetables

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

### 4. Add Tomato Paste and Spices

* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help caramelize the tomato paste and deepen its flavor.
* Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.

### 5. Deglaze the Pot

* Pour in a small amount of chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits add a lot of flavor to the stew.

### 6. Add the Remaining Ingredients

* Return the browned pork to the pot.
* Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), sweet potatoes, and remaining chicken broth.
* Bring the stew to a simmer.

### 7. Simmer the Stew

* Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

### 8. Season and Serve

* Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
* Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sour cream, or a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

* **Use High-Quality Pork:** Choose pork shoulder or pork butt for the best flavor and tenderness. These cuts have enough marbling to stay moist during the long cooking time.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Searing the Pork:** Sear the pork in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding will cause the pork to steam instead of sear.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pot. Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot adds a lot of flavor to the stew.
* **Simmer Low and Slow:** Simmering the stew over low heat for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become incredibly tender.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the stew throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more spices if you like.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew, such as parsnips, turnips, or butternut squash.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew.
* **Use Different Broth:** You can use vegetable broth or beef broth instead of chicken broth, depending on your preference.
* **Thicken the Stew:** If you prefer a thicker stew, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Sear the pork and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

## Serving Suggestions

* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Over Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the stew over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
* **With a Side Salad:** Serve the stew with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
* **As a Leftover:** This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

## Variations

* **Spicy Pork and Sweet Potato Stew:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew for a spicy kick.
* **Curried Pork and Sweet Potato Stew:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the stew for a warm and fragrant flavor.
* **Pork and Sweet Potato Stew with Beans:** Add a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as chickpeas or kidney beans) to the stew for added protein and fiber.
* **Vegetarian Sweet Potato Stew:** Omit the pork and use vegetable broth. Add a can of drained and rinsed beans for added protein.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the stew in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: 450
* Protein: 35g
* Fat: 20g
* Carbohydrates: 30g
* Fiber: 5g

_Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes._

## Conclusion

This Pork and Sweet Potato Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this stew is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this delicious and nourishing meal!

Enjoy cooking!