Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote

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

Tender pork simmered in a vibrant achiote-spiced broth with plantains for a comforting, deeply flavorful stew. This latin american-inspired one pot ready in about 110 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder, medium green plantains, tablespoons achiote paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 25 min Cook: 85 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown pork in batches for 3 minutes per side until golden, transferring to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1 medium red onion and 4 garlic cloves, then sauté in the same pot over medium heat for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons achiote paste and cook for 1 minute until oil separates and the mixture darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to the pot, add 4 cups chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
  5. Step 5: Peel and slice 3 green plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds, add to the pot, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until plantains are tender and broth has reduced by half.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (25 min prep + 85 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 Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote?

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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote?

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 Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote 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 Pork and Plantain Stew with Achiote?

Latin American one pot 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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