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Pork Stew with Bacon, Apples, and Prunes

A hearty, sweet and savory pork stew with smoky bacon, tender apples, and rich prunes perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stew Base
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken or pork stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1 tsp thyme dried or 2 tsp fresh
  • 2 bay leaves
Sweet Components
  • 2 apples peeled, cored, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup pitted prunes halved
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar optional

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat pork cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown pork in batches 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add chopped bacon and cook 4–5 minutes until slightly crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon.
  3. Add onions and sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  4. Pour in wine (if using) and scrape browned bits. Stir in stock, thyme, bay leaves, and return pork and bacon to pot. Bring to simmer.
  5. Add apples, prunes, and brown sugar. Cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours until pork is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Stew tastes even better the next day; reheat gently before serving.