Lentil stew
- Average
- 1 h 15 min
- Kcal 346
So, this spicy pork stew with lentils? It's like giving the classic Italian spezzatino a fresh twist. In northern Italy, you'll often find spezzatino simmering away with beef or veal, mushrooms, maybe some potatoes. But here’s the deal—tender chunks of pork team up with earthy lentils, plus there’s this mix of warm, slightly sweet Indian spices in the pot. Curry, cinnamon, and turmeric step in for the usual bay leaves, so you get this amazing blend of flavors that really wake up your taste buds. A splash of beer helps the pork turn super moist and gives the sauce a deeper kick, while rosemary and a bit of thyme make the whole kitchen smell like a cozy dinner in an Italian mountain town. It’s that kind of pork and lentil stew that feels familiar but keeps surprising you with every bite.
This version feels like a trip from Italy to India and back—totally not your average hearty pork stew. Some folks finish the dish with a big spoonful of basmati rice—which soaks up all that rich, slightly spicy broth and makes it super satisfying. The lentils stay a little tender but not mushy, and the pork just falls apart the minute you dig in. And listen, this spicy lentil stew works great for a weekend meal when you want to try something new but still crave comfort food. With all those spices and the savory pork, every bowl is loaded with flavor, and you might even catch people asking for seconds. For real. It’s an easy way to bring both Italian tradition and a bit of global flair to the table, especially when you’re after something old-school and a bit unexpected. Try swapping the usual beef for pork, toss in some lentils, and you’ll see how even a simple easy pork stew recipe can turn out golden and totally memorable. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s like a warm hug from the Italian countryside—plus a twist of adventure in every spoonful.
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To prepare the spicy pork stew with lentils, first cut the loin into cubes of about 1 inch 1, then thinly slice the onion 2 and chop the herbs into small pieces 3.
Pour a drizzle of oil into a saucepan, add the onions 4, and sauté over low heat until softened, stirring often. At this point, add the lentils 5 and toast them for a few seconds, then add the meat cubes 6 and brown them on all sides.
Add the herbs 7, then season with tomato paste 8 and chili pepper 9.
Also add turmeric 10, cinnamon 11, and curry 12.
Add the juniper berries 13 and mix well 14, then cover with the beer 15.
Salt 16 and cook over low heat for about an hour: the consistency should be saucy but not liquid 17. Serve your spicy pork stew with lentils accompanied with basmati rice 18!