Imagine coming home after a long day, opening the front door, and being met with the warm aroma of a hearty stew wafting through the air. The tender chunks of pork melting in your mouth, perfectly balanced with the creamy sweetness of butternut squash. And the best part? This delicious feast can be ready in a fraction of the time, thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. Say goodbye to hours of simmering and hello to a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling cozy and content. This recipe for Pork and Butternut Squash Stew in a Pressure Cooker is the perfect way to indulge in a bowl of comfort without sacrificing precious time.
Ingredients
Pork shoulder
For this flavorful stew, you will need a tender and juicy cut of pork shoulder. The marbling in the shoulder will help keep the meat moist and tender as it cooks in the pressure cooker.
Butternut squash
The sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash adds a delightful richness to this stew. Make sure to dice the squash into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Onion and Garlic
The combination of onion and garlic gives this stew a savory and aromatic base. Chop them finely to release their flavors into the stew.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the stew. It brings a slightly tangy and savory element that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the stew, providing a flavorful foundation for all the ingredients to mingle together.
Salt, Pepper, Thyme, and Bay leaves
These herbs and spices are key in elevating the flavors of the stew. The salt and pepper enhance the taste, while the thyme and bay leaves bring a delightful earthy aroma.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the onions and garlic and adds a subtle richness to the stew.
Preparation
Season the pork shoulder
Before cooking the pork shoulder, it’s important to season it generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavors of the meat and adds a savory dimension to the stew.
Dice the butternut squash
To ensure even cooking, dice the butternut squash into similar-sized pieces. This will help the squash cook uniformly and offer a consistent texture throughout the stew.
Chop the onion and garlic
Finely chop the onion and garlic to release their aromatic flavors. The smaller the pieces, the more flavor they will contribute to the stew.
Heat the pressure cooker
Before you start cooking, heat your pressure cooker on the stove over medium heat. This will ensure that the cooking process is efficient and the stew cooks evenly.
Brown the pork shoulder
Once the pressure cooker is heated, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the pork shoulder on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
Sauté the onion and garlic
After browning the pork shoulder, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the pressure cooker until they are soft and fragrant. This will help develop the base flavors of the stew.
Add tomato paste and spices
Add tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves to the pressure cooker and stir well to incorporate all the flavors. The tomato paste adds richness and depth, while the spices bring a delightful aroma to the stew.
Pour in chicken broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker, making sure to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom. This will help to deglaze the pressure cooker and infuse the stew with even more flavor.
Add butternut squash and bay leaves
Gently add the diced butternut squash to the pressure cooker, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Toss in a couple of bay leaves for an added layer of earthy aroma.
Cook under pressure
Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to cook the stew under high pressure for about 20 minutes. The high pressure will intensify the flavors and ensure that the pork shoulder becomes tender and succulent.
Release pressure and serve
Once the stew has cooked, release the pressure according to the instructions of your pressure cooker. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot. Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid and give the stew a gentle stir. It is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
Tips
Choose a tender cut of pork
For the most melt-in-your-mouth pork, opt for a tender cut like pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have enough fat and marbling to keep the meat juicy and tender during the stewing process.
Cut the butternut squash into similar-sized pieces
To ensure that the butternut squash cooks evenly, dice it into similar-sized pieces. This will prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others become mushy.
Adjust the seasoning to taste
While the recipe provides a guideline for seasoning, feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, thyme, and other spices to suit your personal preference. Taste the stew as it cooks and add more seasoning if desired.
Allow the pressure to naturally release for more tender meat
If time permits, allow the pressure to release naturally after the stew has finished cooking. This will result in even more tender and succulent meat.
Variations
Add carrots or potatoes for extra vegetables
If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your stew, consider adding diced carrots or potatoes. These will provide additional flavors and textures and make the dish more wholesome.
Use beef or chicken instead of pork
If you’re not a fan of pork, you can easily substitute it with beef or chicken. The cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat, so adjust accordingly.
Add a kick of spice with chili powder or red pepper flakes
For a spicier version of the stew, add some chili powder or red pepper flakes. This will give the dish some heat and add an exciting kick to every bite.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
To add a pop of freshness and color to the stew, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. The bright flavors of the herbs will beautifully balance the richness of the stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew with crusty bread for dipping
A warm and crusty loaf of bread is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty stew. Tear off a piece and dip it into the stew, soaking up all the flavorful juices.
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal
For a well-rounded dinner, serve the stew alongside a refreshing side salad. The crispness of the salad will provide a nice contrast to the warm and comforting stew.
Serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier dish
If you’re looking to make the stew even heartier, serve it over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These starches will soak up the delicious flavors of the stew and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the stew fresh and prevent any cross-contamination.
Stew can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the stew on the stove or in the microwave until it is heated through. The flavors will intensify even more on the second day!
Freeze any extra portions for future meals
If you have more stew than you can finish within a few days, portion it out and freeze it for future meals. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of this pork and butternut squash stew whenever you crave it.