Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew

Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender pork, sweet potatoes, and tangy pineapple. The combination of savory and sweet ingredients creates a unique and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, where the combination of pork, sweet potatoes, and pineapple is a popular and beloved flavor profile. The sweet and savory flavors in this stew create a harmonious balance that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat
4 cups water
2 small onions, halved and sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 black peppercorns
0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil or corn oil
2 (28 oz (794 g)) cans whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch chunks
1-0.5 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp sugar
0.5 tsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers or chili-garlic paste
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp dried oregano
Pinch of ground cloves
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
8 green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine pork, water, halved onion, whole garlic, peppercorns, and 0.25 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, partially covered, over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pork is no longer pink inside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened for 4 to 5 minutes.
Add remaining 0.25 tsp salt, minced garlic, tomatoes, sweet potato, raisins, sugar, adobo sauce (or chili-garlic paste), cinnamon, oregano, and cloves.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is just tender, approximately 15 minutes.
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and cut into 0.5 inch pieces. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine sieve, reserving 0.75 cup. (Refrigerate or freeze extra broth for another use.)
Add the pork, 0.75 cup cooking liquid, pineapple, and olives to the vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in cilantro.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the stew.
Substitute chicken or beef for the pork for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the pork in water with onions, garlic, and seasonings to infuse it with flavor before adding it to the stew.

- Make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are just tender to ensure they are not overcooked and mushy.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, sugar, or spices as needed to enhance the flavors of the stew.

Serving Suggestions

This stew can be served on its own or with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the pork in water with onions and seasonings to infuse it with flavor before adding it to the stew.

- Cook the sweet potatoes until just tender to ensure they are not overcooked and mushy.

- Stir in the pineapple and olives at the end of cooking to preserve their flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different protein option.

- Substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile.

- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal. A glass of white wine or a fruity beer complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew contains approximately 350 calories. This hearty and satisfying meal is a great option for a filling and nutritious dinner.

Carbohydrates

This stew is a good source of carbohydrates, with the sweet potatoes and pineapple providing natural sugars and fiber. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fat content in this stew comes primarily from the pork and olive oil used in cooking. While pork does contain some saturated fat, it also provides essential nutrients like protein and iron. Using lean cuts of pork and minimal oil can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Proteins

Pork is a rich source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. The protein in this stew helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and manganese, which are important for immune function and bone health. The combination of these ingredients provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and olives, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew is a nutritious and flavorful meal that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

This Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of tender pork, sweet potatoes, and tangy pineapple. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this stew is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this dish with your family and friends for a comforting and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew. It was a cool autumn day, and I was browsing through my collection of cookbooks looking for inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the pages of an old, worn recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother, a faded piece of paper fell out. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for a stew that sounded absolutely delicious.

The recipe called for pork shoulder, sweet potatoes, and pineapple, along with a medley of spices and herbs that promised to create a flavorful and fragrant dish. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the stew, memories flooded back to me of all the different recipes and cooking techniques I had learned over the years.

I learned how to cook from my own mother, who was an excellent cook and passed down her love of food and tradition to me. I remember watching her in the kitchen, effortlessly whipping up delicious meals for our family. She taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to nurture and develop the flavors of each dish.

But I also learned from others along the way. I remember the summer I spent with my aunt in the countryside, where she taught me how to make homemade jams and preserves from the fruits and berries we picked in the orchard. I remember the time I visited a friend in another country and learned how to make traditional dishes using exotic ingredients and spices that were new to me.

As I stirred the stew and let it simmer on the stove, the aroma of the pork mingling with the sweetness of the pineapple and the earthiness of the sweet potatoes filled the kitchen. I could almost taste the memories of all the different people and places that had influenced my cooking over the years.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and sat down to enjoy it with a crusty loaf of bread and a glass of red wine. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that warmed me from the inside out.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful recipes and cooking techniques I had learned over the years. Each one was like a piece of a puzzle, coming together to form a beautiful tapestry of flavors and memories that I could share with my own family and friends.

And so, as I finished my meal and cleaned up the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the lessons I had learned and the recipes I had collected along the way. Cooking had become not just a passion for me, but a way to connect with my past and create new memories for the future.

As I closed the recipe book and placed it back on the shelf, I knew that the recipe for Pork, Sweet Potato & Pineapple Stew would always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn't just a delicious meal, but a reminder of the journey I had taken to become the cook I am today. And for that, I would always be grateful.