Beans, Pork And Tomato Stew
A hearty and comforting stew combining tender beans, savory pork, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried white beans ⓘ
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 3 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds boneless pork loin ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes or 16 oz canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 cup beef broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and pick over the dried beans, discarding any bad ones.
- Place the beans in a saucepan with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Turn off the heat, cover, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
- Bring the beans to a gentle simmer and cook on low heat, covered, until tender but not soft, about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt after 30 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the beans and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook diced bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the pork loin pieces until browned.
- Add finely chopped garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crumbled rosemary; cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked beans, cooked bacon, and 1/2 to 1 cup of beef broth.
- Simmer the stew for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors, adding more broth if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For creamier beans, soak them overnight instead of just an hour. You can substitute dried navy beans or cannellini beans for white beans if needed. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used; just reduce the cooking time. For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. This stew is versatile and can be adapted to include seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or sautéed greens make excellent sides. This dish pairs beautifully with Calico Beans or Bernadette's Beans for a family gathering. For a complete meal, consider serving it over rice or with baked potatoes to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This stew also freezes well; portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans, Pork And Tomato Stew contains roughly 1140 calories, with 25g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this stew?
Yes, you can substitute the pork loin with beef or chicken. If using beef, consider chuck roast for a tender result. For chicken, boneless thighs work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken will cook faster than pork or beef.
How do I make this stew vegetarian?
To make this stew vegetarian, omit the bacon and pork. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. You can also include mushrooms for a meaty texture.
What can I do if my beans are still hard after cooking?
If your beans are hard after cooking, they may not have soaked long enough or were too old. You can add a bit more water and continue to simmer them on low heat until tender. Adding a pinch of baking soda can also help soften them, but be cautious as it may alter the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).