Spicy Pork Stew with Lentils Recipe
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
This Spicy Pork Stew with Lentils is an incredible comfort dish that blends tender pork with rich lentils and aromatic spices for a delightful experience. The beer adds a smooth depth of flavor, while the combination of turmeric, cinnamon, and curry gives the stew its distinctive warm, spicy kick. Perfectly balanced with a side of basmati rice, this dish is a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork loin (cut into cubes) | 300g |
| Dried lentils | 100g |
| Mixed herbs | 30g |
| White onion | 1 |
| Light beer | 500g |
| Tomato paste | 20g |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Juniper berries | 3 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | as needed |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by cutting the pork loin into cubes of about 2.5 cm each. Set the cubes aside. Thinly slice the onion and prepare the herbs. -
Cook the Aromatics:
In a large pot or casserole dish, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. -
Spices and Tomato Paste:
Add the mixed herbs, followed by the tomato paste. Stir everything together to coat the onions and release the flavors. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the tomato paste blend into the aromatics. -
Add the Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the turmeric, cinnamon, chili powder, and curry powder to the mix. Stir well to coat the onions and tomato paste in the spices. Let them cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and infuse the oil. -
Cook the Pork and Lentils:
Add the cubed pork loin to the pot, stirring to combine the meat with the spiced mixture. Let the pork brown slightly, about 5 minutes. Once the pork is lightly browned, add the dried lentils and juniper berries. -
Simmer with Beer:
Pour the light beer into the pot, enough to cover the ingredients. Stir everything together, ensuring the beer is evenly mixed in. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the lentils are cooked through. -
Final Adjustments:
After the stew has cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or spices to suit your taste preferences. -
Serve:
Serve the Spicy Pork Stew with Lentils hot, alongside a fragrant portion of basmati rice for a complete meal. The rice will complement the rich, spiced stew beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect example of how spices can transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. The warmth of the spices, the richness of the pork, and the earthy lentils make this stew a crowd-pleaser, while the basmati rice adds a delicate fragrance to each bite. Enjoy this unique take on a traditional stew for your next family dinner or special occasion!
