Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Azorean-inspired stew with tender pork, deeply caramelized onions, and potatoes simmered in a rich broth. This portuguese-inspired quick meals ready in about 120 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves 4 Portuguese cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 680 g pork cubes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, then brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per side; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add 280 g chopped onions. Cook for 8-10 minutes until deeply caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return browned pork to the pot, then add 450 g diced potatoes, 950 ml chicken broth, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours until pork is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and simmer for 15 minutes to thicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Azorean Pork Stew with Caramelized Onions and Potatoes?

Portuguese quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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