Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables

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

Tender pork simmered slowly with aromatic Dominican spices and hearty root vegetables for a comforting and flavorful stew. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 100 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes pork shoulder, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and sear for 5-7 minutes until all sides are browned and caramelized, then remove pork and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 large diced onion, and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to the pot, add 3 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 2 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, and 2 sliced carrots. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour 15 minutes until pork is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaves, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Dominican-Inspired Pork Stew with Root Vegetables?

Latin American pork 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.

Related recipes