Pork guisantes, a vibrant and flavorful Spanish dish, is surprisingly easy to make at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a truly authentic and delicious meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty and satisfying recipe!
What is Pork Guisantes?
Pork guisantes, literally translating to "pork with peas," is a classic Spanish stew featuring tender pork, sweet peas, and a rich, savory sauce. The combination of succulent pork, bright green peas, and aromatic spices creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a perfect comfort food, ideal for cooler evenings or a special occasion.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides enough for 4-6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes (you can also use pork belly for extra richness)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (fresh peas work well too, just add them towards the end of cooking)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Pork: Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Bloom the Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
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Deglaze the Pot: If using white wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Add the Peas: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If using fresh peas, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Serve: Once the pork is tender and the peas are cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker sauce: Remove some of the cooking liquid before adding the peas and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Add chorizo: For extra flavor, add 4-6 ounces of chorizo sausage along with the pork.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: Sear the pork as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pork Guisantes!
This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients combined with careful technique. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a truly authentic and unforgettable Spanish dish. Buen provecho!
