Discover the comforting embrace of a bowl of **Creamy White Bean Pork Stew**, a dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This American classic combines tender pork shoulder with hearty white beans, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy broth that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this stew not only delivers on flavor but also on heartiness, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the cubed pork shoulder dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and develop slight caramelization.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and add chicken broth, ensuring the meat is mostly covered. Sprinkle dried thyme over the mixture.
- Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let cook for 45-50 minutes, or until pork becomes tender and easily breaks apart.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the stew, stirring gently to incorporate. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to lowest setting and slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Sear the Pork Well: For maximum flavor, make sure to brown the pork cubes thoroughly. This step adds a rich depth to your stew that enhances the overall taste.
- Don’t Rush the Vegetables: Allow the onions, carrots, and celery to caramelize slightly. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the stew.
- Use Quality Broth: The chicken broth is a key component of this dish, so opt for a high-quality or homemade broth for the best results.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter stew, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half for a slightly less rich option.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a fresh touch and elevates the presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
