Outfitter's Stew

Outfitter's Stew Recipe with Pork, Lemon, and Beer - Easy-to-Follow and Bold

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Outfitter's Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This stew is packed with tender pork, aromatic spices, and a touch of beer for added depth of flavor. It's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Outfitter's Stew has its roots in traditional campfire cooking, where hearty and filling meals were essential for fueling outdoor adventures. This stew was often prepared by outfitters who provided supplies and equipment for hunting and fishing trips. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a mix of savory ingredients that create a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of lean pork, cubed
1 lemon
3 onions, sliced
3 cloves of garlic, divided
0.33 cup of chopped cilantro, divided
1 tsp of cumin
1 bay leaf
1 can of beer
0.5 cup of flour
2 tsp of salt
3 tsp of paprika
0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of wine vinegar
2 cups of chicken broth
1 tbsp of brown sugar

How to prepare

Place the pork in a large plastic bag or container.
Wash the lemon, grate the peel, and squeeze the juice. Set aside.
Add onions, 2 cloves of garlic, 0.25 cup of cilantro, cumin seeds, and bay leaf to the pork.
Pour beer and lemon juice over the pork.
Seal the bag or cover the container.
Refrigerate overnight.
Combine the remaining garlic, cilantro, and lemon peel.
Refrigerate, then remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
Mix flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Roll the pork cubes in the mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet, then add the pork cubes and cook until browned.
Remove the onions from the marinade and add them to the meat.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned.
Add the reserved marinade, vinegar, broth, and brown sugar. Simmer for 1.25 hours.
To serve, sprinkle the stew with the reserved cilantro and garlic mixture.

Variations

For a spicier stew, add additional cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Substitute beef or chicken for the pork for a different flavor profile.
Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables and heartiness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the pork overnight helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

- Browning the pork cubes before adding the onions and marinade helps to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.

- Simmering the stew for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a thick and hearty consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Outfitter's Stew is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

- Brown the pork cubes in batches to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

- Simmer the stew over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth or beef broth in place of chicken broth.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for wine vinegar.

- Swap out the cilantro for parsley or basil for a different herbaceous flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Outfitter's Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Outfitter's Stew in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a slice of lemon. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Outfitter's Stew with a robust red wine such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Outfitter's Stew contains approximately 450 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe primarily come from the flour used to coat the pork cubes and thicken the stew, as well as the brown sugar added for a touch of sweetness.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the vegetable oil used for cooking the pork and onions, as well as any fat rendered from the pork cubes during the browning process.

Proteins

The main source of protein in this recipe is the lean pork cubes, which provide a substantial amount of protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins and minerals from the onions, garlic, cilantro, and lemon used in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential nutrients to support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to coat the pork cubes. It may also contain sulfites from the beer used in the marinade.

Summary

Outfitter's Stew is a well-rounded dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for fueling outdoor adventures or cozy nights at home.

Summary

Outfitter's Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Packed with tender pork, aromatic spices, and a touch of beer, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this hearty meal with a side of rice or crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the mountains. My father was an outfitter, guiding hunters and hikers through the rugged wilderness. He would often bring home stories of his adventures, along with new recipes he had picked up along the way.

One day, after a particularly long and grueling trek through the mountains, my father arrived home with a twinkle in his eye. He beckoned me into the kitchen, where he pulled out a worn and tattered piece of parchment. On it was a recipe for "Outfitter's Stew," a hearty and comforting dish that was perfect for those cold mountain nights.

My father explained that he had learned the recipe from an old friend who was a seasoned outdoorsman. He had taught my father how to make the stew over an open fire, using only the freshest ingredients found in the wilderness. The thought of cooking a meal in such a primitive and rustic way intrigued me, and I begged my father to teach me how to make it.

And so, under the glow of the flickering fire, my father taught me the art of making Outfitter's Stew. We gathered wild game meat, foraged herbs and vegetables, and simmered them all together in a large cast iron pot. The aroma that wafted through the air was intoxicating, a mix of savory meat, earthy herbs, and sweet vegetables. As we sat around the fire, sharing stories and laughter, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

As I grew older and ventured out into the world on my own, I carried the recipe for Outfitter's Stew with me wherever I went. It became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would cook for friends and family on special occasions. Each time I made it, I would think back to that night by the fire with my father, and the sense of warmth and comfort that the stew brought to us both.

Over the years, I added my own twists and variations to the recipe, incorporating different spices and ingredients that I picked up along my own travels. But no matter how many times I made it, the essence of the stew remained the same – a simple, hearty dish that brought people together and warmed their souls.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has been passed down through generations. It reminds me of my father, of the mountains that I once called home, and of the simple joys that can be found in a pot of stew simmering on the stove.

And so, as I ladle out steaming bowls of Outfitter's Stew to my loved ones, I am filled with a sense of contentment and nostalgia. The recipe may have come from a rugged outdoorsman in the mountains, but it has found a home in my heart and in the hearts of those who gather around my table. And for that, I am truly grateful.