Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico with this mouthwatering pork stew that promises to be more than just a meal – it's a culinary journey! Imagine tender, succulent pork pieces slow-cooked to perfection, swimming in a rich, aromatic broth that tells a story of tradition, love, and incredible flavor. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this recipe will unlock the secrets of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cubing the pork shoulder into 1-inch pieces, chopping the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic.
- Season the pork cubes generously with adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Brown the seasoned pork cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until softened and slightly translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Return browned pork to the pot and pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until pork is tender and nearly falling apart.
- Add drained chickpeas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or adobo as needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or alongside rice or crusty bread.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat content helps keep the meat juicy during the long cooking process.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the pork. Those golden-brown crusty bits (called fond) are flavor powerhouses that will elevate your entire dish.
- Low and Slow: Patience is crucial. Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the meat to become incredibly tender and for the flavors to develop fully.
- Seasoning Hack: Toast your adobo seasoning briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to intensify its flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes if you want to make the stew more substantial.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with white rice, tostones (fried plantains), or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
