Savory Pork Menudo Delight
This Savory Pork Menudo Delight is a delightful twist on the traditional menudo, swapping out the controversial tripe for tender, lean pork chops. Coated in a fragrant blend of spices and simmered to perfection, this hearty stew offers a comforting bowl of flavor without the extra carbs. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it's perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. Garnished with fresh green onions and oregano, this dish is not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Enjoy your hearty bowl of goodness guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops (cooked and chopped)
2 lbs (cooked and chopped)
Oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Onion
1 large (diced)
Chicken Bouillon
4 cups (liquid)
Hominy
2 cups (canned or cooked)
Garlic Clove
1 (smashed)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Green Onion
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
2
Stir in the chopped cooked pork chops or pork steak along with the smashed garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the meat is heated through.
3
Pour in the chicken bouillon, and add the hominy. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with oregano and chopped green onions.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
9g
Carbs
20g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pork Menudo Delight?
Savory Pork Menudo Delight is a hearty and comforting stew that puts a twist on traditional menudo by using tender pork chops instead of tripe.
How does this version differ from traditional menudo?
Unlike traditional menudo which typically uses tripe, this recipe swaps it for lean pork chops or pork steak, making it more accessible to those who dislike offal.
Is this Pork Menudo recipe low carb?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a lower-carb option, containing approximately 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of cooked and chopped pork chops or pork steak for the best results.
How long does it take to cook Savory Pork Menudo Delight?
After sautéing the base ingredients, the stew needs to simmer for approximately one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What are the nutritional facts for this dish?
Each serving contains roughly 245 calories, 14g of fat, 9g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein.
What is hominy and is it required?
Hominy is dried maize treated with an alkali; it provides a unique texture and flavor essential to the traditional menudo profile. This recipe uses 2 cups.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 20g of protein per serving, it is a very protein-rich meal.
How should I prepare the onions for the stew?
You should dice one large onion and sauté it in oil for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent before adding other ingredients.
What garnishes are recommended for Pork Menudo?
The dish is best garnished with fresh oregano and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it uses one smashed garlic clove to add fragrance and depth to the broth.
Can I use pork steak instead of pork chops?
Yes, pork steak is a perfect alternative to pork chops in this recipe.
Is the hominy used in this recipe canned or fresh?
You can use either canned or pre-cooked hominy for this recipe.
What kind of broth is used for the base?
The recipe uses 4 cups of chicken bouillon as the liquid base for the stew.
How much fiber is in a serving?
Each serving provides approximately 2.5g of dietary fiber.
Do I need to cook the pork before adding it to the pot?
The recipe specifies using pork chops that are already cooked and chopped for the best texture during the simmering process.
Can I make this dish spicy?
While the base recipe is savory, you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to achieve your desired spice level.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should verify that your chicken bouillon brand does not contain gluten additives.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of oil to properly sauté the onions and meat.
What is the primary flavor profile of this stew?
It is a savory and fragrant stew with earthy notes from the oregano and garlic, combined with the richness of the pork.
Can I freeze leftovers of Savory Pork Menudo Delight?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, because the flavors continue to meld after cooking, it often tastes even better the next day.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, after the initial sautéing of onions and meat, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe, including the seasonings and garnishes.
What makes this dish visually appealing?
The contrast between the hearty meat and hominy and the vibrant green of the fresh onion and oregano garnishes makes it very inviting.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugars, making it a healthy, savory meal choice.
Can I add other vegetables to this menudo?
Yes, ingredients like carrots, potatoes (if not strictly low carb), or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.
Is this dish considered a soup or a stew?
It is classified as a stew due to its hearty consistency and the long simmering time.
How should I season the final dish?
Before serving, you should season with salt and pepper to taste to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, its comforting flavors and familiar ingredients like pork and hominy make it a hit with both adults and children.