Authentic Cuban Mojo Pork Stew
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Authentic Cuban Mojo Pork Stew. This hearty dish combines tender pork, sweet potatoes, and the zesty punch of lime and orange juice, infused with classic Cuban spices. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this stew is not only comforting but also brimming with nutrients. Delight your taste buds with layers of flavor as the pork marinates beautifully with diced tomatoes and green chilies, creating a mouthwatering experience you won't forget. Share it with friends and family and bring a taste of Cuban culture to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean pork loin
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
sweet potatoes
2 lbs (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
29 ounces (canned, undrained)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed preferable)
scallions
4 (thinly sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
1 teaspoon
fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the pork loin into 1-inch cubes and the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Thinly slice the scallions and mince the garlic cloves.
2
In a large crock pot, add all the prepared ingredients: cubed pork, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, orange juice, sliced scallions, minced garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
3
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 7 hours. This slow cooking allows the pork to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
After 7 hours, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to enhance the fresh flavors.
5
Serve hot, making sure to include some of the delicious cooking liquid with each serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Cuban Mojo Pork Stew?
It is a hearty Cuban dish featuring tender pork, sweet potatoes, and a zesty citrus-based sauce made from orange and lime juices with classic spices.
What cut of meat is used in this stew?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of lean pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How long does the stew cook in the slow cooker?
The stew cooks on low heat for 7 hours, followed by an additional 5 minutes after adding the final ingredients.
What setting should I use on my crock pot?
You should use the low heat setting for the best results.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes and green chilies?
No, you should use 29 ounces of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained.
What kind of citrus juice is used for the base?
The base uses 1/2 cup of orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What spices provide the authentic Cuban flavor?
The primary spices used are cumin, black pepper, and salt.
How much cumin is added to the stew?
You should add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
When do I add the fresh lime juice?
Stir in the lime juice after the initial 7 hours of slow cooking is complete.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
When should the cilantro be added?
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro at the same time as the lime juice, after the 7-hour cook time.
How are the scallions prepared?
Use 4 scallions and slice them thinly before adding them to the crock pot.
What is the recommended size for the pork cubes?
The pork loin should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
What is the recommended size for the sweet potato cubes?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they cook properly.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the orange juice fresh or bottled?
While bottled can work, freshly squeezed orange juice is preferable for the best flavor.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crock pot?
According to the instructions, you can add the cubed pork directly to the crock pot without prior browning.
What makes this stew 'Mojo' style?
The 'Mojo' flavor comes from the combination of garlic, cumin, and citrus juices like orange and lime.
How should the stew be served?
Serve it hot, ensuring each portion includes some of the flavorful cooking liquid.
Can I cook this faster on high heat?
The instructions specifically recommend low heat for 7 hours to ensure the pork becomes tender and flavors meld.
What is the total amount of canned tomatoes needed?
You will need 29 ounces of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe uses 4 pounds of meat and potatoes, making it suitable for a large family gathering.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as brimming with nutrients from the lean pork, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables.
What is the purpose of the final 5 minutes of cooking?
The final 5 minutes allows the fresh lime juice and cilantro to heat through and enhance the fresh flavors of the stew.
Can I use regular potatoes?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet potatoes to provide a sweet contrast to the zesty mojo flavors.
Is this a spicy dish?
It contains green chilies from the canned tomatoes, providing a mild zest rather than intense heat.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh chopped cilantro is recommended for the best flavor and vibrant finish to the dish.