If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season, this Flavorful Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew is a must-try. The tender pork melds beautifully with the earthy gandules, creating a rich, savory flavor that will warm your soul. It’s an easy, set-and-forget meal that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it hard to wait until dinner time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Steps
- Marinate the pork with oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, and sazon. For the best flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add the marinated pork to the slow cooker. Include the chopped onion, crushed garlic, diced red pepper, jalapeno, and tomato sauce.
- Mix in the olives with brine, peeled and diced potato, diced carrot, and diced celery stalk.
- Stir in the canned gandules and add two cups of greens, such as escarole, kale, or baby spinach, along with a cup of water.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low.
- Once done, serve the stew hot, optionally topping with avocado or pairing it with rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (29 oz total) pigeon peas (gandules)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olives with brine
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cups greens (such as escarole, chopped kale, or baby spinach)
- 1 cup water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1440 kcal | Carbohydrates: 184 g | Protein: 120 g | Fat: 24 g | Saturated Fat: 10.4 g | Cholesterol: 256 mg | Sodium: 5760 mg | Fiber: 48 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute pork with another protein?
- Yes, if you do not eat pork, chicken breast is a great alternative for this stew. It offers similar tenderness and absorbs the flavors well.
- What are gandules and where can I find them?
- Gandules, also known as pigeon peas, are a type of legume. They are available in both canned and dried forms. For convenience, you might want to use canned pigeon peas, such as those from the Goya brand.
- Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot?
- While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot. However, you should adjust the cooking times and settings accordingly to ensure the stew cooks properly.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Absolutely! This stew freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or saving leftovers for another day.
- What is the best way to serve this dish?
- The stew can be enjoyed as a soup or served over rice. For a delightful garnish, add fresh avocado slices on top when serving it as a soup.
Tips
- Marinate the pork overnight with oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, and sazon to enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
- Consider using chicken breast as an alternative to pork if you prefer a lighter protein option.
- For a soup-like experience, serve the stew with fresh avocado on top. If you prefer a heartier meal, serve it over Latin yellow rice.
- Utilize canned gandules for convenience, but feel free to use dried if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (such as the 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker).
