Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples & Prunes — Sweet and Savory Comfort Meal

Welcome to Your New Favorite Comfort Meal!

Hi there, friends! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day: Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples, and Prunes! This hearty dish has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and I just love how it makes my kitchen smell during cooking. Trust me, once you make this stew, it will quickly become a go-to for your family dinners!

Benefits of This Delicious Stew

Besides being utterly delicious, this pork stew is packed with nutritional goodness! The pork shoulder is a good source of protein, which helps keep our muscles strong, while the apples provide fiber and vitamins. Prunes not only add a natural sweetness but are also great for digestion! Plus, with all the veggies in there, you’re getting a wholesome meal that warms both the heart and the body.

Adaptable Variations

• Skip the Bacon: If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter or need it to be more health-conscious, feel free to leave out the bacon. You can add a splash of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor instead.
• Go Vegetarian: Swap the pork for hearty veggies like mushrooms, carrots, and butternut squash, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lovely vegetarian option.
• Add Extra Greens: Throw in some kale or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients and color!

Let’s Get Cooking! Easy Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples & Prunes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup pitted prunes
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. First off, let’s heat up some olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook it until it’s crispy, about 5 minutes. Oh, the smell is heavenly! Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving that tasty fat behind.
3. Season your pork cubes with salt and pepper. Now, throw those bad boys into the pot in a single layer. Sear the pork on all sides until beautifully browned, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
4. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent—around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Now, it’s time to bring back the party! Return the seared pork and crispy bacon to the pot. Stir in the apple chunks, prunes, and diced potatoes for that cozy combination!
6. Pour in the chicken broth, add your apple cider vinegar, and sprinkle in the brown sugar, thyme, and cinnamon. Mix everything well to combine those amazing flavors!
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
8. Take a moment to taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if you like. Yum!
9. Finally, ladle your comforting stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. Now, it’s time to dig in!

Practical Tips for a Perfect Stew

• You can prep ingredients the night before to save time; just chop everything and keep it in the fridge for an easier cooking experience the next day!
• If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
• This stew freezes well, so if you have extra, freeze portions for a comforting meal on a busy night.

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into cooking, here’s a handy checklist of what you’ll need:

• A large Dutch oven or heavy pot for simmering the stew.
• A cutting board and sharp knife for chopping all those delicious ingredients.
• A slotted spoon for removing the bacon (and any other goodies) from the pot.
• A stirring spoon to keep things mixed up as they cook.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, you can use pork loin or tenderloin, but they may result in a slightly different texture since they’re leaner cuts.
2. What if I don’t have prunes? No worries! You can swap them for dried apricots or even raisins—just adjust the cooking time if necessary!
3. How can I make this dish spicier? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat! Just start with a little since you can always add more.
4. Is this stew gluten-free? It is, as long as the chicken broth you use is gluten-free! Always check the labels.
5. How long does it take to cook the stew? It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on the stovetop if you want the meat to be nice and tender.

Let’s Connect!

I can’t wait for you to try this comforting Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples, and Prunes! Once you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to connect with me on Pinterest where I share more cozy, delicious recipes—let’s make cooking fun together!