Tomato Pork Stew
This hearty and flavorful Tomato Pork Stew features tender chunks of pork shoulder that have been diced and browned to perfection. The pork is then simmered in a rich tomato sauce made with juicy tomatoes, aromatic yellow onions, and garlic. Dried thyme and coriander add delightful layers of earthy, herbal flavor to the stew. As it slowly simmers, the pork becomes fall-apart tender while absorbing all the bright tomato flavor. The yellow onions add a pleasant sweetness while the garlic provides a subtle punch of zest. Drizzled over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this Tomato Pork Stew makes for a comforting one-pot meal on chilly evenings. The combination of savory pork, sweet onions, rich tomatoes, and herbs creates a simple yet extremely satisfying dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 6 servings
Calories
- 50/1.5 (oz/kg) pork shoulder or uncured fresh ham
- 14/400 (oz/g) tomatoes, fresh or canned
- 3.5/100 (oz/g) yellow onions
- 3 garlic cloves or to taste
- 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil like sunflower oil
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried coriander
- some fresh greenery like parsley, dill, or coriander for garnish (optional)
cut the pork shoulder chunk into slices of about 1 finger width.
dice the pork shoulder slices into medium-sized cubes.
peel the onions and chop them finely.
peel the garlic cloves and chop them finely.
pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan and wait to warm up over a medium temperature.
place the diced pork shoulder into the pan and sear it until bleached (about 10 minutes.)
add the chopped garlic over the meat.
add the onion into the skillet and wait to soften (about 5 minutes).
meanwhile, chop the fresh tomatoes or open the cans, then add them to the pan.
pour about 200 ml/7 fl oz of lukewarm water or stock into the skillet when the meat is slightly browned.
season the pork stew with some salt and ground black pepper to taste.
add the dried thyme and coriander.
mix the ingredients, then simmer them until the gravy is low and the pork very tender (about 20-30 minutes), add more water in small quantities if necessary and stir from time to time to avoid food burning.
meanwhile, chop fresh greenery and sprinkle it over tomato pork stew when serving (optional.)
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes to allow the pieces to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of the stew.
- Brown the pork cubes well before adding other ingredients. Browning adds richer flavor.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until softened before adding tomatoes. This will mellow their harshness.
- Add the dried thyme and coriander at the beginning to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Simmer the stew slowly over low heat. At least 1-2 hours of simmering is ideal for the pork to become very tender.
- Add salt and pepper in increments to taste. The tomato sauce and pork may provide enough seasoning already.
- Serve stew piping hot over egg noodles or mashed potatoes to allow the sauce to seep into the starch.
- Garnish bowls of stew with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Accompany stew with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. The contrasts in texture and flavor complement the hearty stew.
- Let leftover stew refrigerate overnight so flavors can develop even further. Reheat gently before serving again.
What cut of pork works best for this stew?
Pork shoulder or pork butt are the best cuts to use. They become very tender when braised.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes in place of the fresh tomatoes.
How long does the stew take to cook?
The stew needs a minimum of 1 1/2 to 2 hours of simmering time for the pork to become fork tender.
Can I prepare the stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the pork first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
What sides go well with the stew?
Mashed or roasted potatoes, egg noodles, rice or crusty bread are excellent accompaniments. A green salad balances the richness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You certainly can. Allow the stew to cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
How can I thicken the stew if needed?
Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water at the end to thicken. Or mash a few stewed potatoes into the sauce.
What garnishes work well?
Chopped fresh parsley, cilantro or green onion add nice freshness and color. Grated parmesan is also delicious.
What drink pairs well with the stew?
A hearty red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. You can also serve with a crusty ale or cider.
Can I substitute different herbs?
Yes, oregano, basil, rosemary or a dash of red pepper flakes would also pair well with the tomatoes and pork.
➡️ Enjoy cooking Hungarian tomato pork stew from scratch using a tasty and easy pork stew recipe from scratch in the authentic Hungarian style. For additional info, read more on stew!
