Pork stew with mushrooms

Pork Stew with Mushrooms – A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Introduction

Pork stew with mushrooms is a classic dish appreciated in many culinary cultures. This delicious meal is perfect for cold days when you crave a warm and comforting meal. The deep flavor, achieved through slow cooking over low heat, makes this dish truly special. Using a clay pot for cooking adds an authentic taste, enriching the culinary experience. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step!

Necessary Ingredients

To make this stew, you will need the following ingredients:

- 500 g pork (shoulder or neck is ideal)
- 500 g fresh mushrooms (champignon or porcini)
- 2 large onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml tomato paste
- 8-10 cherry tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if you prefer)
- 1 bunch of parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper
- Boiled potatoes in their skins (for serving)

Step-by-Step Cooking

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by peeling the onion, carrot, and garlic, then wash them well. Also, wash the pieces of meat, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Once all the ingredients are clean, you can move on to chopping.

2. Chopping the Vegetables
Dice the onion into small cubes and slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Grate the carrot. These vegetables will add a special flavor to the stew.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables
In a deep pan or a clay pot, add the oil and heat it over low heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. In the meantime, grate the carrot and add it to the pan. Mix well, allowing the vegetables to sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden.

4. Adding the Meat
Over the sautéed vegetables, add the pieces of pork. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well. Let everything sauté until the meat changes color, about 10-15 minutes.

5. Preparing the Mushrooms
Meanwhile, slice the mushrooms and chop the garlic finely. Add the mushrooms and half of the garlic to the meat and vegetable mixture. Cook everything together for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices.

6. Combining Ingredients in the Clay Pot
In the prepared clay pot, add the cooked mushrooms, the remaining garlic, the tomato paste, and the whole cherry tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

7. Cooking in the Oven
Put the lid on the clay pot and transfer it to the preheated oven at 180°C. Let the stew simmer for 60 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 60 minutes until the meat is well cooked and the sauce has reduced and thickened.

8. Preparing the Potatoes
While the stew is cooking, peel the boiled potatoes. Cut them in half and, using a teaspoon or a special tool, gently scoop them out, leaving a hollow interior to add the stew.

Serving

Pork stew with mushrooms can be served in two ways: either directly in the scooped-out potatoes or on a plate alongside them. Sprinkle fresh parsley leaves on top, and if you wish, you can add slices of pickled bell pepper for a contrast of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pork Stew

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork with chicken, beef, or even lamb, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the stew spicier?
Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to the meat and vegetable mixture for an extra kick.

3. What side dishes go well with the stew?
Besides the scooped potatoes, the stew can be served with mashed potatoes, polenta, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Benefits

This pork stew is an excellent source of protein due to the pork and mushrooms, which add fiber and antioxidants. Tomatoes and bell peppers are rich in vitamins C and A, contributing to a balanced diet.

Vegetarian Option

If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork with tofu or seitan, and the mushrooms will provide a pleasant texture and umami flavor to the dish.

A Personal Detail

I fondly remember the moments spent with family around the table, where pork stew with mushrooms was a staple. Its aroma spread throughout the house, and each bite was an explosion of flavors and beautiful memories. This recipe is not just a simple dish but a way to gather the family at the table and create unforgettable moments.

Conclusion

Pork stew with mushrooms is a simple yet extremely tasty recipe, perfect for preparing on weekends or special occasions. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Don't hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch to turn every meal into a true celebration of flavors! Enjoy your meal!