Mediterranean Pork Stew over Orzo is a delectable dish that offers several appealing qualities. In this recipe, we invite you to savor the delightful harmony of tender pork, hearty vegetables, and the subtle elegance of orzo, all simmered in a fragrant stew that captures the essence of the Mediterranean. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece!
What is great about Mediterranean Pork Stew?
The stew incorporates Mediterranean ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and thyme. These flavors create a robust and aromatic base that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Pork is the star of this stew, and when cooked low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and succulent. The long cooking time allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the stew, resulting in a rich and satisfying meaty taste.
Mediterranean Pork Stew over Orzo is a complete meal in itself. The combination of tender pork, vegetables, and orzo pasta creates a balanced and filling dish. The orzo, a rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the flavors of the stew and adds a comforting and satisfying texture.
The stew incorporates various vegetables like tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sometimes carrots, providing a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is a wholesome dish that offers a range of nutrients necessary for a well-rounded meal.
Tips
For the stew, opt for a cut of pork that is suitable for slow cooking and will become tender when braised. Pork shoulder or pork butt are excellent choices as they have enough fat marbling to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Before adding the pork to the stew, consider browning it first. This step helps develop a deeper flavor and adds a nice caramelized crust to the meat. Heat some oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet and brown the pork on all sides before continuing with the recipe.
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant and aromatic herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, along with spices like paprika, cumin, and cinnamon are a great consideration to infuse the stew with authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Mediterranean Pork Stew Over Orzo
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
Cooking spray
Pork Tenderloin, raw 600 g, fat trimmed and cut into 8
Onion(s) - 1 large, thinly sliced
Celery, Raw - 2 stick(s), finely diced
Garlic - 3 clove(s), crushed
Paprika - 1 tablespoons, level, smoked
Fennel Seeds - 1 teaspoons, level
Chicken stock cube(s) - ½ cube(s), to make 175ml stock
Rosemary, Fresh - 2 sprig(s), leaves picked
Cherry Tomatoes - 12 individual
Directions:
Mist a large pan with cooking spray and set over a medium-high heat. In batches, sear the pork for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the onion, celery and garlic to the pan and cook for 6 8 minutes until soft. If the mixture starts to stick, add a splash of water to the pan.
Stir in the paprika and fennel seeds, cook for 1 minute, then add the butterbeans, stock and rosemary. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Return the pork to the pan, add the tomatoes, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to simmer for 5 minutes or until the pork is tender and the stew thickened.
Suggested Pairing
Served with a rich 2015 Quinta do Vallado Douro.
Comments