Pea stew with fresh pork ribs and baby carrots

Pea dish with fresh pork ribs and mini-carrots

When spring arrives, nature rewards us with all sorts of delicacies, and fresh peas are certainly among the most delicious. This recipe for pea dish with pork ribs and mini-carrots is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal, whether they are a fan of peas or not. Additionally, it is versatile and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh peas (preferably from the market for an intense flavor)
- 600-700 g fresh pork ribs
- 4-5 green onions
- 1 green garlic stalk
- A handful of mini-carrots (or sliced carrots)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Whole pepper (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Fresh dill (for serving)
- Olive oil (for browning)

Nutritional information: This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork and is an excellent source of fiber from the peas and vegetables, making it a healthy choice for a nutritious meal.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cleaning and cutting the pork ribs into suitable pieces. Generously season them with salt and ground pepper. Choose fresh ribs with a little fat for a richer taste.

2. Brown the ribs: In a deep skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the pork ribs and brown them on all sides until golden. This step will add a delicious flavor to the dish. Once browned, remove the ribs to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Here, the green onion will add a fresh and slightly sweet note.

4. Add the vegetables: After the onion and garlic have softened, add the sliced mini-carrots and the pork ribs. Fill the skillet with water to cover the ingredients. Season with salt and let it simmer over medium heat until the meat and carrots are almost cooked, about 20 minutes.

5. Incorporate the peas: When the carrots are nearly done, add the fresh peas. They will cook very quickly, so be sure not to leave them on the heat too long to maintain their vibrant green color and crunchy texture.

6. Season for taste: Add a few bay leaves, whole pepper, and top up with water to cover all ingredients. Then, add the tomato paste and mix well. This will provide a rich flavor and beautiful color to the dish.

7. Finish cooking: Let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes until the peas are cooked but still crunchy. If desired, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the taste, but if the peas are very sweet, it is not necessary.

8. Serve: Finally, add the finely chopped fresh dill for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the dish warm, alongside a green salad or with a slice of fresh bread.

Serving suggestions: This dish is ideal to be served with a tomato and feta cheese salad or with a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the vegetables and meat.

Possible variations: If you are vegetarian, you can replace the pork ribs with tofu or mushrooms to create a delicious pea dish. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to diversify the dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen peas? Yes, frozen peas are a good alternative, but make sure to thaw them before use.
- What other types of meat can I use? You can experiment with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time to achieve a tender texture.
- How long does the dish keep? This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Don't forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Bon appétit!