Lemon-Infused Portuguese Pork Stew
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of Portugal with this delectable Lemon-Infused Portuguese Pork Stew. Tender chunks of boneless pork shoulder are marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon juice, and spices, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for family gatherings. The slow simmering in rich Portuguese wine enhances the flavors, while ripe olives add a hint of brininess that perfectly complements the savory pork. Serve it over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and garnish with fresh lemon and orange wedges for an extra citrusy touch. This hearty stew is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to share a taste of Portugal at your dinner table.
6
Servings
70
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork shoulder
2 lbs (Trimmed of fat and cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking)
Water
1/4 cup (For simmering)
Dry Portuguese wine
1/2 cup (Choose a fine quality for the best flavor)
Pitted ripe olives
1/2 cup (Sliced or whole, as preferred)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boneless pork shoulder pieces, chopped garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to ensure all the pork is coated.
2
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor. Remember to stir the mixture occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
3
3. After marination, remove the pork from the bowl, reserving the marinade. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork pieces and sear them, stirring occasionally, until they've browned and most of the juices have evaporated.
4
4. To the skillet with the browned pork, add 1/4 cup of water, the dry Portuguese wine, and the reserved marinade. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5
5. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
6
6. Finally, stir in the pitted ripe olives, allowing them to heat through. Serve this lemon-infused pork stew over a bed of rice if you desire.
7
7. Garnish with fresh lemon and orange wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
3.3
Fat
1.7
Carbs
6.7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Infused Portuguese Pork Stew?
It is a traditional Portuguese-inspired stew featuring tender pork shoulder marinated in garlic, lemon, and spices, then simmered in dry Portuguese wine.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of fat and cut into 3/4 inch pieces.
How long should the pork marinate?
For maximum flavor, the pork should marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
What are the main flavors in the marinade?
The marinade consists of chopped garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
What type of wine should be used?
A dry Portuguese wine is recommended to enhance the authentic flavors of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories.
Is this stew spicy?
It has a mild heat from 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What should I serve with the stew?
It is delicious served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the citrusy wine sauce.
Why do I need to sear the pork first?
Searing the meat browns the exterior and locks in juices before the simmering process begins.
When do I add the olives?
The pitted ripe olives are stirred in at the end of the cooking process just to heat them through.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled juice works, freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the most vibrant citrus flavor.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
How long does the stew simmer?
After adding the liquids, the stew should simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the pork is tender.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.3 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 6.7 grams of protein.
Can I use a different type of olive?
The recipe suggests pitted ripe olives, but you can use sliced or whole ones based on your preference.
Do I discard the marinade after soaking?
No, the reserved marinade is added back to the skillet with the wine and water to create the stew base.
What garnishes are recommended?
Garnish the dish with fresh lemon and orange wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Is cumin a necessary ingredient?
Cumin adds a warm, earthy depth that is characteristic of the flavor profile, though only 1/4 teaspoon is used.
Should I cover the skillet while simmering?
Yes, covering the skillet helps the pork absorb the flavors and remain tender during the 30-minute simmer.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are approximately 1.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do during the marination period?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is in the refrigerator to ensure the marinade is redistributed over the pork.
How much wine is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry Portuguese wine.
Can I substitute the pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness when simmered, but other cuts like loin could be used with adjusted cooking times.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty meal and comfort food, perfect for family dinners.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of water to assist in the simmering process.
Should the olives be sliced?
You can use either sliced or whole pitted ripe olives depending on your preference.
How much salt is used?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.