Jamaican Pork and Okra Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chunks of pork simmered with okra, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Jamaican spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Tomatoes(diced, undrained)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced)
- 3 sprigs Thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp Allspice berries
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth
- 2 stalks Scallions(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the pork cubes with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Seasoning the pork well in advance can enhance its flavor. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the pork creates a richer flavor base for the stew. - 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), pierced Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme sprigs, and allspice berries.
💡 Tip: Be cautious when handling the Scotch bonnet pepper; wear gloves if sensitive. - 6
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add water or chicken broth, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged.
💡 Tip: Using chicken broth will add another layer of savory flavor. - 7
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
💡 Tip: Simmering for longer will result in more tender pork. - 8
Add the sliced okra to the stew. Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the stew has thickened.
💡 Tip: Okra can become slimy if overcooked; add it towards the end of the cooking process. - 9
Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Stir in the chopped scallions.
💡 Tip: The Scotch bonnet pepper infuses flavor; remove it before serving unless you desire significant heat. - 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew is delicious served with rice and peas or boiled green bananas.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of the okra, you can sauté it separately for a few minutes before adding it to the stew.
- ✓If you don't have pork shoulder, pork butt or even pork loin can be used, though cooking times may vary.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) in a mixture of salt, pepper, allspice, and a little lime juice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier stew.
- Incorporate a splash of rum towards the end of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a spicier stew, finely chop the Scotch bonnet pepper and add it with the tomatoes.