Savory Pork Cacciatore Delight
This Savory Pork Cacciatore Delight brings a comforting Italian twist to your lunch or snack time. Tender pieces of boneless pork leg are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with fresh vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and your choice of red wine or beef broth. This dish pairs beautifully with squeezed-open baked potatoes topped with broccoli spears or can be served over a bed of noodles for a hearty meal. Perfect for satisfying your midday cravings or impressing guests at casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless pork leg
1 lb (cubed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (smashed)
celery
1 stalk (finely chopped)
carrot
1 (shredded)
mushrooms
1/4 lb (sliced)
crushed tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can
dry red wine or beef broth
1/3 cup (for cooking)
rosemary
2 tablespoons (crushed)
dry basil
1/4 teaspoon
oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by sprinkling the cubed pork leg generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
2
In a large, heavy cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Add the seasoned pork cubes to the skillet, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, finely chopped celery, and shredded carrot. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent.
5
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they soften.
6
Return the browned pork to the skillet, then pour in the crushed tomatoes and your choice of dry red wine or beef broth.
7
Sprinkle in the crushed rosemary, dry basil, and oregano leaves. Stir everything together until well combined.
8
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.
9
Serve hot over baked potatoes, broccoli spears, or noodles as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork Cacciatore Delight?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pieces of boneless pork leg simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of boneless pork leg, which should be cubed for cooking.
Can I substitute the red wine?
Yes, you can use 1/3 cup of beef broth as a substitute for the dry red wine.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
The base consists of chopped onion, smashed garlic cloves, finely chopped celery, and shredded carrot.
How long does it take to brown the pork?
The pork cubes should be browned on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What kind of oil should I use for cooking?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many mushrooms are required?
You will need 1/4 lb of sliced mushrooms.
What type of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of crushed rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon of dry basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano leaves.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be smashed before being added to the skillet.
What is the recommended cooking vessel?
A large, heavy cast iron skillet is recommended for even heating and browning.
How should the carrot be prepared?
The recipe specifies using one shredded carrot.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot for 5 minutes, then add mushrooms for another 3 minutes.
What is the final simmering time for the pork?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes once covered.
How should the pork be seasoned initially?
Sprinkle the cubed pork leg generously with salt and pepper before browning.
What are the serving suggestions?
It can be served over squeezed-open baked potatoes, broccoli spears, or a bed of noodles.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large skillet.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, with a simmering time of only 10-15 minutes, it is an efficient and easy dinner option.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped.
What heat setting should be used for browning meat?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, it is perfect for impressing guests at casual gatherings.
What is the texture of the pork?
The simmering process allows the pork to become tender and flavorful.
How many garlic cloves are in the dish?
There are 2 smashed garlic cloves in this recipe.
What type of wine is best?
A dry red wine is recommended for the most authentic flavor profile.
Is the rosemary fresh or dry?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of crushed rosemary.
Do I need to remove the pork after browning?
Yes, remove the browned pork and set it aside while you cook the vegetables.
When do I add the herbs?
The rosemary, basil, and oregano are stirred in after the tomatoes and wine or broth are added.
Is this dish considered Italian?
Yes, it is described as an Italian twist on pork and features classic Italian herbs.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe suggests one medium-sized onion.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the skillet to help the flavors meld and keep the meat moist.