Pork Stew (Spezzatino di Maiale)
A hearty and flavorful Pork Stew, also known as “Spezzatino di Maiale,” brings together tender pork, vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory and comforting dish. The rich, deep flavors of the dark beer and rosemary meld beautifully with the other ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork loin | 800g |
| Potatoes | 450g |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Carrot | 1 |
| White onions | 1 |
| Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Butter | 20g |
| Dark beer | 800g (approx. 2 cups) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| All-purpose flour | 50g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fats | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork: Begin by cutting the pork loin into 2 cm cubes. Coat each cube with a light dusting of flour on all sides to ensure the stew thickens during cooking.
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Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the rosemary leaves and set them aside. Peel the potato and cut it into cubes that are similar in size to the pork cubes. Dice the onion, celery, and carrot into small pieces for the base of your stew.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, stirring occasionally until they soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Pork: Add the flour-coated pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes. This will give the pork a nice sear and lock in the flavors.
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Deglaze with Beer: Once the pork is browned, pour in the dark beer. Stir gently to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Let the beer simmer for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
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Simmer the Stew: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the pork stew simmer gently for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The meat should become tender and infused with the rich flavors of the beer and vegetables.
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Add the Potatoes: After 40 minutes of simmering, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir them in carefully, ensuring they are submerged in the flavorful liquid.
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Cook the Potatoes: Continue cooking the stew, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the stew has thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is perfectly cooked, ladle the pork stew into warm bowls and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting and hearty dish with a slice of crusty bread or a side of greens.
Serving Suggestions
This Pork Stew is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a balanced meal, pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Beer Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the dark beer with a rich vegetable or chicken broth.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor.
- Spicier Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a touch of heat.
This Pork Stew recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of savory flavors and tender meat. The combination of beer, vegetables, and herbs creates a mouthwatering dish that will become a family favorite.
