Thresher's Pork Stew

Thresher's Pork Stew Recipe - A Hearty and Flavorful Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thresher's Pork Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This stew is packed with tender pieces of pork shoulder, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. It is a dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Thresher's Pork Stew is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations in the Thresher family. It originated in the rural countryside of England, where pork was a staple meat in many households. The stew was often made during the colder months when a warm and filling meal was needed to keep the family satisfied.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1 inch pieces
0.33 cup flour
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked rice
2 medium apples, peeled (optional) and chopped
1 package (10 oz or 283 g) frozen peas, thawed and drained
2 tbsp chopped chives

How to prepare

Dredge the pork in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or large pot.
Add the meat and brown it on all sides. Pour off the fat.
Stir in the onion and rice. Cook over low heat until the onion is transparent and the rice is golden.
Add the broth and bring it to a boil. Stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the apples and peas. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes more or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle with chives.

Variations

Substitute the pork shoulder with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add in different vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for added texture and color.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the pork pieces before adding them to the stew. This will help to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the meat.

- Be sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the stew. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent burning.

- Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables and herbs. You can add carrots, potatoes, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Thresher's Pork Stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the pork before adding it to the stew helps to develop a rich flavor and color.

- Simmering the stew over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken thighs or beef stew meat in place of the pork shoulder.

- If you don't have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or water as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Thresher's Pork Stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thresher's Pork Stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of chopped chives on top for a pop of color. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Thresher's Pork Stew pairs well with a glass of red wine such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Thresher's Pork Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat (flour)

Summary

Thresher's Pork Stew is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that will keep you full and energized.

Summary

Thresher's Pork Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender pork, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices, this stew is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this hearty meal with your family and friends for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Thelma out on her farm. Thelma was a fantastic cook, and she had prepared a delicious pork stew for lunch. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to get the recipe.

Thelma was more than happy to share her recipe with me, but she warned me that it was a bit complicated. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her grandmother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and Thelma felt honored to continue the tradition.

I watched Thelma as she cooked, taking notes and asking questions along the way. She showed me how to brown the pork in a hot skillet, how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were caramelized, and how to deglaze the pan with a bit of wine to add depth to the flavor.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the rich aroma of pork and spices, Thelma told me stories of her childhood on the farm. She talked about how her grandmother used to make this stew for the threshers who came to help with the harvest, and how it had always been a favorite among the farm workers.

I listened intently, savoring every word and every bite of the delicious stew. By the time I left Thelma's farm that day, I had not only learned a new recipe, but I had also gained a deeper appreciation for the tradition of passing down recipes from generation to generation.

When I got home, I couldn't wait to try making Thresher's Pork Stew for myself. I gathered all the ingredients, including a good cut of pork, fresh vegetables, and a bottle of wine. I followed Thelma's instructions to the letter, taking my time and savoring the process.

As the stew simmered on my own stove, filling my kitchen with the same rich aroma that had filled Thelma's kitchen, I felt a sense of connection to the past. I thought about all the women who had cooked this stew before me, and all the men who had enjoyed it after a long day of hard work in the fields.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative bite. The flavors were rich and complex, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Thresher's Pork Stew many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, always eager to pass on the tradition of this delicious dish.

And every time I make it, I think of Thelma and her grandmother, and all the women who came before them. I think of the threshers who enjoyed this stew after a long day of work, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to carry on this culinary tradition.

The moment I found this recipe will always be special to me, not just because of the delicious stew that it has brought into my life, but because of the connection to the past that it represents. Cooking this stew is more than just following a set of instructions – it is a way of honoring the women who came before me, and keeping their memory alive through the food that they loved to cook.