Pork stew with hearty potatoes

Pork and Heart-Shaped Potato Stew

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

A pork and potato stew is always an excellent choice for a satisfying and comforting meal. This recipe brings a touch of love and warmth to every plate, and the heart-shaped potatoes will add a playful and creative element to your table. Let's see together how we can create this delight!

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 g pork (choose a piece with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 1 carrot (for added sweetness and color)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (for flavor and hue)
- 1 onion (for a flavorful base)
- 2 garlic cloves (for a hint of flavor)
- 7-8 potatoes (preferably new, sweeter potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato purée)
- 50 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 2 bay leaves (for flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Nutritional information: This stew contains protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a balanced and nourishing meal. A serving of stew contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the exact quantities used and the type of meat.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the pork well and cutting it into small pieces, about 2-3 cm each. This will ensure even cooking. In a 5-liter pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meat pieces and brown them well on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Then remove them from the pot and set aside.

2. Preparing the vegetables
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them in the remaining oil, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the peeled and sliced carrot, along with the finely chopped red bell pepper. Add a pinch of salt and continue to cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.

3. Preparing the potatoes
While the vegetables are sautéing, peel the potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. Use a heart-shaped cutter to give them a playful shape. The leftover potatoes can be used for a delicious mash or other dishes.

4. Assembling the stew
Once the vegetables are ready, add the potatoes to the pot. Add the bay leaves, pepper (if using), and the browned meat. Cover everything with warm water, leaving enough space to avoid overflowing.

5. Boiling the stew
Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are soft. Check occasionally and stir gently to avoid crushing the potatoes.

6. Thickening
In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of flour with the 4 tablespoons of cold water, a pinch of salt, and the tomato paste. Add this mixture to the stew and stir gently to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat.

7. Serving
Finally, add the fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the stew hot, alongside a green salad or creamy polenta.

Serving suggestions:
This dish is perfect served with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A summer salad or pickles can provide a pleasant contrast to the rich flavor of the stew. Additionally, a glass of red wine pairs perfectly with the intense flavors of the meat and vegetables.

Tips and variations:
To add a touch of personality to your recipe, you can include spices like paprika or cumin. You can also swap the pork for chicken or beef, adapting the recipe to your preferences. Instead of tomato paste, you can use fresh or canned tomatoes for a more vibrant taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! This stew can easily adapt to chicken, beef, or even turkey. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

2. Can I make the stew in advance?
Yes, the stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption. Make sure to heat it well before serving.

3. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with vegetables like peas, zucchini, or even eggplant, depending on the season and preferences.

4. How can I make the stew spicier?
Add a finely chopped hot pepper or a teaspoon of hot paprika during cooking for an extra kick.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to start cooking! This pork and heart-shaped potato stew will not only satisfy hunger but also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!