This Slow Cooker Potato and Pork Stew is rich, hearty, and packed with tender pork, soft potatoes, and a sauce that's irresistibly delicious! Bonus: this traditional Ukrainian recipe tastes even better the next day.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
Who doesn’t love a hearty stew that's packed with comforting flavors? This Slow-Cooker Potato and Pork Stew is a Ukrainian classic that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Here’s why we love this recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for a Crowd: The recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping.
- Nutritiously Balanced: This stew is not just delicious, it’s also packed with protein from the pork and carbs from the potatoes, making it a well-balanced meal.
- Slow-Cooker Convenience: The slow-cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to go about your day without having to worry about tending to the stove.
Key Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder – The star of our stew, pork shoulder, is a tough cut that transforms into tender, flavorful bites when slow-cooked.
- Potatoes – We use starchy potatoes like Russets, which break down slightly during cooking, thickening the stew and adding a hearty texture.
- Avocado Oil – We use this heart-healthy oil to brown the pork and onions, which adds a depth of flavor to the stew.
- Bay Leaf – This humble herb infuses the stew with a subtle, aromatic flavor that sets it apart from the rest.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley, added just before serving, brightens up the stew with its fresh, herbaceous flavor
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variation ideas:
- Meat: Feel free to substitute the pork with beef or chicken for a different protein option. You can also try using different cuts of meat like stew meat, or even experiment with plant-based meat substitutes.
- Vegetables: This stew is quite forgiving when it comes to vegetables. Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for a pop of color and added nutrition.
- Herbs: If you're a fan of robust flavors, try adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the stew. It will complement the dish beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato And Pork Stew
Step 1: Heat oil in a large pan and cook onion until translucent. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Cook pork in the same pan until it browns slightly. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the cooked onion, potatoes, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker as well.
Step 4: Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 ½ - 8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crockpot Potato And Pork Stew
Vegetables
- This hearty stew already contains plenty of potatoes, but you can still serve it with some steamed or roasted vegetables on the side. We recommend green beans, broccoli, or a simple mixed salad.
- If you'd like to add some extra veggies to the stew itself, feel free to throw in some diced carrots or bell peppers at the beginning of the cooking process.
Potatoes and Bread
- A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from this stew. Try serving it with a side of bread rolls, baguette, or a hearty whole grain loaf.
Rice and Grains
- If you prefer rice over potatoes, this stew goes really well with a side of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
- You can also make a batch of quinoa or couscous to serve with this stew. The grains will absorb the flavorful broth and make your meal even more satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is necessary to brown the pork before adding it to the slow cooker. This step not only helps to develop the flavor of the stew but also gives the pork a nice texture.
You can use any starchy or all-purpose potatoes for this stew. We recommend using Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. These varieties hold up well during the long cooking time and result in a creamy texture.
This stew can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Potato and Pork Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 onion finely minced
- 2 lb pork shoulder cut into ¾ inch pieces
- 2 ½ lb potatoes peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 ⅓ cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ c parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring for 7-10 minutes until it’s translucent. Transfer onion to a plate.
- Add pork to a pan and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it browns slightly.
- Transfer onion, pork, potatoes, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker bowl.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 ½ - 8 hours until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to cut the pork into even pieces so that it cooks evenly and becomes tender.
- Allow the onion to cook until it's translucent; this will bring out its natural sweetness, adding depth of flavor to the stew.
- When browning the pork, don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the pork in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough contact with the pan and browns nicely.
- Peeling and cutting the potatoes into wedges is important for even cooking. This way, they will also absorb the delicious flavors of the stew.
- Leaving the bay leaf in the stew for the whole cooking time adds a nice, subtle flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving.
- Feel free to add other herbs and spices that you like to customize the dish to your preference.
- This stew is even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Nutrition
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
JANE T RITCHUK says
This isn't stew...its soup!