Puerto Rican Style Stewed Pork: A Delicious Combination of Flavors

If you're looking for a dish that's hearty, savory, and full of flavor, look no further than Puerto Rican style stewed pork. This classic dish combines tender pork shoulder with a blend of spices, vegetables, and other ingredients to create a meal that's truly unforgettable.

The Ingredients

To make Puerto Rican style stewed pork, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • Pork shoulder: This is the cut of meat traditionally used in this recipe, since it has just the right blend of meat and fat to create a tender and juicy dish.

  • Olive oil: This is used for cooking the pork shoulder and sautéing the other ingredients.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish.

  • Onion: This adds a sweet and flavorful base to the stew.

  • Bell peppers: These add a colorful accent to the dish and provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.

  • Tomatoes: These provide acidity and sweetness to the dish.

  • Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.

  • Bay leaves: These provide a subtle aroma and flavor to the stew.

  • Cumin: This adds a smoky and earthy flavor to the dish.

  • Oregano: This provides a warm and slightly bitter flavor.

  • Adobo: This is a seasoning blend that includes salt, garlic, and other spices that adds a savory flavor to the dish.

The Preparation

To make Puerto Rican style stewed pork, you'll begin by seasoning the pork shoulder with adobo seasoning and salt. Allow the pork to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork to the pot and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside on a plate.

In the same pot, add the garlic and onion and sauté until tender and fragrant. Add the bell peppers and sauté until they begin to soften. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and adobo seasoning, and stir to combine. Return the pork to the pot and pour in enough water to cover the meat.

Cover the pot with a lid and bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily, about 2 to 3 hours.

The Serving

Puerto Rican stewed pork is typically served with white rice and beans, such as kidney beans or black beans. You can also serve it with a side of boiled or fried plantains, or with a salad of avocado, tomato, and red onion.

The Final Thoughts

Puerto Rican style stewed pork is a dish that's simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet special enough to serve for a Sunday dinner or family gathering. With its blend of savory pork, sweet peppers and tomatoes, and aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that you'll return to time and time again.