Name: Comforting Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples, and Prunes Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 slices thick-cut bacon; 2 apples, diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup prunes, pitted; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

A heartwarming stew combining savory pork, crispy bacon, sweet apples, and luscious prunes, perfect for cozy family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 apples, diced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup prunes, pitted
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the pork into 1-inch cubes, slicing the bacon, and dicing the onions, carrots, and celery.
Sauté the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, add bacon pieces over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Brown the Pork: In the same pot, add pork cubes in batches, sautéing each side until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork and set aside.
Build the Aroma Base: Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until softened.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, then add thyme and bay leaves.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck at the bottom.
Combine Ingredients: Add the browned pork, bacon, diced apples, prunes, remaining chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper.
Simmer Away: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Final Touches: Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, use vegetable broth and feel free to substitute ingredients as needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Braised
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: pork stew, comfort food, hearty stew, family recipe, autumn dish