Winter Warm-Up | Hearty Pork & Bean Stew Recipe

Alright, folks, winter is here, and that means it’s time to turn up the heat in the kitchen! 

If you're looking for a dish that'll warm you up from the inside out, this Pork and Bean Stew is your ticket to flavor town. 

This stew is as cozy as your favorite blanket, plus it’s got everything you need in one pot – tender pork, beans, veggies, and enough flavor to make you wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. 

So grab your biggest pot, and let’s get simmering!

What You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs of Edwards Family Farms pork shoulder or belly, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is mandatory in winter)
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, cubed (they add that perfect heartiness)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups broth (chicken, veggie, or whatever’s hanging out in the pantry)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (that smoky depth is everything)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (makes it look fancy)

Let’s Get Cooking

1. First Up, Brown That Pork
   Heat the olive oil in a big ol’ pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Toss in those pork chunks, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them brown up on all sides. This is where the magic starts, so give it a few minutes. Once they’re golden, scoop them out and set them aside – they’re going to make a comeback soon.
2. Next, Veggie Time
   In the same pot, throw in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Let them mingle in the pork goodness left behind. Sauté until they’re soft and smelling fantastic, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Get Saucy
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir and let it cook for a couple of minutes. You’ll smell the spices waking up, and that’s when you know it’s stew time.
4. Broth and Pork Reunion
   Add your browned pork back to the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring the whole pot to a nice simmer, then cover and let it cook on low for about an hour. This is when the pork gets tender and all those flavors get to know each other.
5. Beans and Potatoes, Baby
   Add in the beans and potatoes, stir it up, and let it cook for another 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and everything’s looking like pure comfort in a bowl.
6. Final Touches
   Taste test! Add a little more salt and pepper if needed. Scoop into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and get ready to cozy up.

Serve It Up

Serve this stew with a thick slice of crusty bread, or go all out with a dollop of sour cream on top.

It’s filling, it’s warm, and it’s about as comforting as a meal can get. Winter, we’re ready for you!

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