Estofado de Cerdo con Salsa de Maní
A hearty and flavorful Ecuadorian pork stew, slow-cooked in a rich sauce with the subtle sweetness of plantains and the nutty depth of peanut butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Achiote oil
- 1 large Red onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 cup Beer
- 2 cups Water(or more as needed)
- 2 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 cup Natural peanut butter(smooth or chunky)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allowing the pork to come to room temperature before searing will ensure more even cooking. - 2
Heat the achiote oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cumin, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Deglaze the pot with the beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- 6
Return the seared pork to the pot. Add 2 cups of water, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
💡 Tip: Check the liquid level periodically and add more water or broth if needed. - 7
Add the green plantain pieces to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the plantains are tender.
- 8
In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the stew liquid until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the stew.
💡 Tip: This will help to thicken the sauce and incorporate the peanut flavor. - 9
Simmer for another 10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 10
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Tip: Traditionally served with white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the pork in achiote oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the plantains into the stew before adding the peanut butter mixture.
- ✓This stew can also be made with chicken or beef.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yuca or sweet potatoes along with the plantains.
- For a spicier stew, add a finely chopped chili pepper with the onions and bell peppers.