Trinidad Stewed Pork with Prunes
Tender chunks of pork slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce infused with the sweetness of prunes and aromatic spices. A comforting and flavorful dish often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 3 stalks Scallions(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Thyme(fresh, chopped)
- 2 small Pimento peppers(finely chopped (optional))
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 150 g Dried prunes(pitted)
- 500 ml Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the pork cubes generously with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, scallions, thyme, and pimento peppers (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- 5
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, prunes, and water or beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the pork is very tender. Stir occasionally, adding more liquid if needed to keep the pork moist.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened.
- 8
Serve hot, typically with rice, peas, or a side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in a mixture of garlic, ginger, thyme, and a little soy sauce for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for added depth.
- Include diced carrots or potatoes in the stew for a more substantial meal.