Celebrate the cozy winter nights of Middle Earth with a rich and hearty pork stew that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Inspired by the rustic fare of the Dwarves deep in the Misty Mountains, this stew features tender pork, smoky bacon, sweet apples, and luscious prunes, all slow-braised in a flavorful cider-spiced broth.
A Hearty Winter Dish
As winter sets in, imagine the great halls of Durin’s folk, warmed by hearty meals after long, cold days. This pork stew is the perfect comfort food to chase away the chill. The tender pork shoulder and bacon are slowly braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender, while apples and prunes add a gentle sweetness. Served with creamy mashed turnips or potatoes, it’s a feast worthy of the Misty Mountains.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 3 ½ – 4 lb pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- ½ lb bacon, cut into cubes or strips
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 500 ml hard cider or apple juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp grainy mustard
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup prunes, pitted
- 2 apples, quartered and sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and cut into 2-inch chunks. Pat dry. Dice the bacon, onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Brown the Pork and Bacon
Heat a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Season the pork with kosher salt and brown in batches, ensuring all sides are caramelized. Remove pork to a plate.
Add the bacon to the pan and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
3. Build the Stew Base
Add the onions to the braiser and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with cider, scraping up browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, thyme, and ½ tsp kosher salt.
4. Braise the Pork
Return the pork and any accumulated juices to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low for 1 hour until pork is tender.
5. Add Fruits and Finish
Skim excess fat. Stir in prunes and cooked bacon; simmer 15 minutes. Add apple slices and cook another 10–15 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
To thicken the stew, whisk cornstarch into ¼ cup of the braising liquid, then stir into the stew and cook a few more minutes until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with creamy mashed potatoes or turnips for a warming winter meal straight from the heart of Middle Earth. Perfect for cozy nights, feasts with friends, or a Dwarven-inspired celebration.