Pork stew with mashed potatoes and spicy tomato sauce

Pork stew with mashed potatoes and spicy tomato sauce: a recipe that combines tradition with intense flavors, perfect for a savory dinner. This dish is not only hearty but also full of flavor, based on tender pork meat and a creamy mash, accompanied by a spiced tomato sauce that brings a touch of warmth to every bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 3 pieces of pork loin (approximately 600 g)
- 1 kg potatoes
- 50 g butter (for mash)
- 2 large tomatoes
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 150 ml tomato juice
- 1 red chili pepper
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream and chopped fresh parsley
- Spices: salt/delikat to taste, tarragon, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 3 bay leaves

Preparation of Pork Stew

Step 1: Preparing the meat

1. Cutting and seasoning: Start by cutting the pork loin into medium-sized cubes. They will cook evenly and become tender. Season them with salt and a little pepper to give them a special taste.
2. Frying: In a deep skillet, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and fry them until golden brown on all sides. This step is essential to seal the meat juices, keeping them tender.
3. Adding water: After the meat has browned, add a glass of water (approximately 250 ml) to prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meat simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. Check periodically to ensure it doesn’t run out of liquid; if necessary, add a little water.

Step 2: Preparing the mashed potatoes

1. Boiling the potatoes: In the meantime, peel the potatoes, wash them well, and cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Place them in a pot with cold water, add a little salt, and let them boil for 20-25 minutes or until soft.
2. Mashing: After the potatoes are cooked, drain them and mash them with a potato masher or mixer. Add the butter and mix well. If you want a creamier mash, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream.
3. Seasoning: Add salt, a pinch of chili, and a teaspoon of tarragon. Mix well until the mash becomes fluffy and homogeneous. A trick for achieving a perfect mash is to avoid overmixing; otherwise, it will become sticky.

Step 3: Preparing the spicy tomato sauce

1. Chopping the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into small cubes and slice the garlic thinly. These will give an intense flavor to your sauce.
2. Sautéing: In a separate skillet, add a little oil and sauté the garlic until golden. Add the tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Adding spices: After the tomatoes have sautéed, add the tomato juice, salt/delikat to taste, tarragon, oregano, basil, chili, and bay leaves. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and becomes dense.

Serving the Pork Stew

1. Assembly: On each plate, place a generous portion of mashed potatoes, top with the pork loin cubes, and pour the spicy tomato sauce over the meat.
2. Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pork stew is delicious served with a fresh cabbage or carrot salad to add a crunchy contrast. A slice of fresh bread is also perfect for enjoying the spicy tomato sauce.

Recipe Story

Stew is a traditional recipe appreciated in many cultures, characterized by combinations of slowly cooked meat and vegetables. This version with mashed potatoes and spicy tomato sauce was inspired by the desire to create a comforting meal full of flavors and textures.

Tips and Variations

- Meat variations: You can replace the pork loin with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
- The sauce: If you like a spicier sauce, add more chili or even a bit of freshly chopped hot pepper.
- The mash: Instead of potatoes, you can use celery root or pumpkin for a different tasting mash.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe contains approximately 700 calories per serving, being rich in protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the potatoes. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the spices have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I use instead of butter in the mash?
You can try olive oil for a healthier option.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, the stew can be cooked a day ahead, and the flavor will be even better the next day.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian meal?
Replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu and use a potato mash made with plant-based milk.

This pork stew with mashed potatoes and spicy tomato sauce is not just a staple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together for a meal full of warmth and joy. Enjoy every bite and relish the intense flavors that will fill your home with deliciousness!