Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean? Look no further! This Caribbean Stew Pork recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Packed with tender pork, aromatic spices, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this stew is a celebration of island flavors. It’s a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both satisfying and quick to prepare, making it a staple in our home. Get ready to savor the best recipes and experience the magic of homemade cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sear the Pork: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes generously with salt, pepper, allspice, cumin, thyme, oregano, and cinnamon. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the pork is tender, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges. This delicious stew is perfect served with rice, coconut rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Caribbean Stew Pork:
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the pork in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the spice level: If you're sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the Scotch bonnet pepper entirely. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a milder heat.
- Slow and low is key: Simmering the stew gently allows the flavors to develop fully and the pork to become incredibly tender.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It's a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
- Use different beans: Black beans or pinto beans would also work well in this recipe.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: Brown the pork as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator website with the exact ingredients and measurements. However, this dish is generally a good source of protein and fiber.
This Caribbean Stew Pork is a hearty, flavorful, and relatively healthy meal that the whole family will love. It's easy to customize to your liking, making it a truly versatile and delicious addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!