Pork and Cabbage Stew Recipe: A hearty dish for a winter

Pork and Cabbage Stew Recipe: A hearty dish for a winter

Hearty Pork and Cabbage Stew: A Winter Classic 🍲

When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty, warming stew. This pork and cabbage stew is a classic recipe that’s perfect for cold-weather cooking. Featuring tender pork, seasonal vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this dish is an ideal example of a hearty dish for winter that satisfies your cravings while providing nourishing comfort.

With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and one-pot convenience, this stew will quickly become a winter favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, it’s a cozy, satisfying choice.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Stew:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into 1-inch chunks 🥩
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
  • 1 large onion, diced 🧅
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about half a medium head) 🥬
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 🥣
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or dill 🌱

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Sear the Pork

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chunks in a single layer, searing them on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the pork and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these add incredible depth to the stew.

3. Build the Flavor

Return the pork to the pot. Add the cabbage, potatoes, carrots, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth, ensuring all the ingredients are just submerged. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The stew is ready when the pork is tender, the vegetables are soft, and the broth is rich and flavorful.

5. Taste and Adjust

Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to suit your preferences.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, buttered rolls, or even over mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal.

🌟 Why This Is the Perfect Hearty Dish for Winter

  • Simple Ingredients: Pork, cabbage, and root vegetables are budget-friendly, seasonal staples that come together beautifully in this stew.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: The tender meat, hearty vegetables, and savory broth make this dish the ultimate comfort food for cold weather.
  • One-Pot Ease: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more time to relax.
  • Rich in Tradition: This stew pays homage to centuries-old winter recipes from Eastern Europe and Germany, where pork and cabbage were relied upon for sustenance and flavor.

💡 Tips for the Best Stew

  1. Choose the Right Pork: Pork shoulder or belly works best for its rich flavor and tender texture, but pork ribs or pork loin can also be used.
  2. Add Depth: A splash of apple cider vinegar or a dollop of sour cream stirred in at the end adds brightness to the rich flavors.
  3. Customize the Texture: For a thicker stew, mash a few pieces of potato into the broth before serving.
  4. Make It a Meal: Serve the stew with your favorite sides, such as crusty bread, egg noodles, or even rice.

👩‍🌾 Rooted in Winter Traditions

Historically, pork and cabbage have been essential staples for winter cooking. Cabbage, stored in cellars or preserved as sauerkraut, and pork, often cured or fresh, provided nourishment during the cold months. This stew brings those time-tested flavors to life in a modern, easy-to-make dish.

🥖 Wrapping It Up

This hearty dish for winter combines the best seasonal ingredients into a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home, this rustic pork and cabbage stew is sure to warm your body and soul. Its rich flavors, simple preparation, and satisfying heartiness make it a winter essential.

So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and embrace the joy of cooking this comforting winter favorite. Share it with loved ones or savor it solo—it’s a dish that always feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Back to blog