Mexican Pork Stew: A Delicious Blend of Flavors

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that will warm you up on a chilly evening, look no further than Mexican pork stew. As its name suggests, this dish combines tender cubes of pork with a variety of Mexican-inspired ingredients to create a savory and satisfying meal that's perfect for cold weather.

What is Mexican Pork Stew?

Mexican pork stew is a slow-cooked dish that typically features chunks of pork shoulder or loin, along with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It gets its distinctive flavor from a variety of spices and seasonings, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano, which give the stew a slightly smoky, slightly spicy taste.

Some versions of the stew also include beans (such as black beans or pinto beans), corn, and even sweet potatoes or butternut squash, which help to add sweetness and a rich, silky texture to the dish. Depending on the recipe and region, the stew may be served with rice, corn tortillas, or cornbread.

How to Make Mexican Pork Stew

Making Mexican pork stew is easy, but it does require some time and patience. Here's a basic recipe that you can tweak to suit your preferences:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder or loin, cut into cubes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz.)
  • 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz.)
  • 1-2 cups of chicken or beef broth
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 can of corn, drained (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the same pot and cook until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano to the pot and stir well to coat the vegetables.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot and stir well to combine.
  6. Return the browned pork to the pot and stir everything together.
  7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  8. Add the drained black beans and corn (if using) to the pot and stir gently. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
  9. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Final Thoughts

Mexican pork stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for cold winter evenings. Its blend of spices, vegetables, and tender pork creates a rich, satisfying meal that's sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you serve it with rice, corn tortillas, or cornbread, this stew is sure to become a new family favorite.