Great Depression Pork Stew

Experience a taste of history with this hearty and comforting Great Depression Pork Stew, a recipe inspired by the ingenuity of tough times. Perfectly seared pork shoulder is simmered to tender perfection alongside simple, affordable ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and celery, creating a rich, aromatic broth enhanced with canned diced tomatoes, fragrant thyme, and a touch of garlic. This rustic one-pot meal balances wholesome flavor with budget-friendly simplicity, taking just 20 minutes of prep and a leisurely simmer to develop its homey charm. Ideal for cozy family dinners, serve this timeless stew piping hot with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork shoulder or stew meat
• 3 medium potatoes
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 stalks celery stalks
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

Step 1

Peel and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the celery into small chunks. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2

Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes, trimming excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding, browning the pieces on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 6

Gradually pour in the chicken or beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Return the browned pork to the pot and bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

After 60 minutes, add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 9

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes to heat them through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew hot with crusty bread or biscuits, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2602.3 grams (2602.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1367

Total Fat 42.70g	55%
Saturated Fat 7.50g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20.40g
Cholesterol 8mg	3%
Sodium 6593mg	287%
Total Carbohydrate 218.10g	79%
Dietary Fiber 39.40g	141%
Total Sugars 47.00g
Protein 39.20g	78%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 441mg	34%
Iron 14mg	78%
Potassium 5657mg	120%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.2%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 61.7%