MEXICAN PORK STEW

How perfect is this for Super Bowl? Hearty, heavy, delicious and maintenance free. It just happily cooks away whilst you enjoy the game (or more importantly, the commercials and the half-time show!)

MEXICAN PORK STEW

5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2 1/2” cubes

Salt 

Pepper

Chili powder

Olive Oil

1/2 lb bacon. chopped

1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced

2 large onions, minced

2 large carrots, diced

4 poblano or Anaheim peppers, seeded and chopped

12 large garlic cloves, minced

1 cup dried beans (black, pinto, chickpea or combination), rinsed well

2 28 oz cans of whole tomatoes, broken-up a bit with the back of a spoon

4 canned chipotle peppers, chopped 

2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotles)

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons malt vinegar (or red vinegar)

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

TOPPINGS:

Cilantro, rough chopped

Scallions, chopped

Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack, or combination

Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt

Jalapeño slices

Chili Flakes

Fresh tomatoes, diced

Avocado, sliced

Sprinkle pork cubes with salt, pepper and chili powder and toss with olive oil. Let rest for about 1/2 hour.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place pork cubes on 1 or 2 large baking trays, so that they are in a single layer and do not overlap. Roast for about 15 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the bacon. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat this process with the chorizo, removing the browned slices and placing on the plate with the bacon.

In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the onions and carrots until nicely browned. Add the poblano peppers and cook for another five minutes. Add the garlic for another 2-3 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn. 

In a large slow-cooker place browned pork with it’s juices, bacon, chorizo, browned vegetables and all remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Cook on Low for 8-10 hours, stirring after about 6 hours. If mixture seems too dry, you could add a bit of water or broth.

Serve with bowls of toppings on the side.