Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired stew that's packed with flavor, nutrition, and pure culinary magic? This Pork Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew is not just a meal – it's a hearty, soul-warming experience that combines tender pork, creamy sweet potatoes, and protein-rich black beans in a symphony of spices that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in Mexico. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing family dinner or a impressive dish to wow your friends, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the pork shoulder into 1-inch pieces, peeling and dicing sweet potatoes into half-inch cubes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and brown the pork shoulder 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 and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the onions, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromatics for about 1 minute.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the pork to become tender.
- Add diced sweet potatoes and drained black beans to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot in bowls, accompanied by warm tortillas or rice if desired.
Tips
- Meat Browning Secrets: Take your time browning the pork shoulder in batches. This crucial step develops deep, rich flavors that will elevate the entire dish.
- Spice Toasting Technique: When adding cumin and chili powder, toast them briefly in the pot to awaken their aromatic oils and intensify their flavor profile.
- Consistency is Key: Keep an eye on the liquid level during simmering. Don't hesitate to add a bit more chicken broth if the stew looks too thick.
- Sweet Potato Timing: Add sweet potatoes later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Garnish Game: Fresh cilantro is not just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty stew. Don't skip it!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm tortillas, rice, or a simple side salad to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
