Moroccan Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew

Moroccan Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of this Moroccan Spiced Pork Shoulder Stew. Succulent chunks of pork shoulder are slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, infused with a fragrant blend of warm spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. Dried apricots add a touch of sweetness, beautifully balancing the savory depth of the pork. This comforting and exotic roast becomes exceptionally tender through a long braise, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying dinner. Serve this vibrant stew with fluffy couscous or crusty bread to savor every drop of its rich, aromatic sauce, transforming a humble pork shoulder into a highlight of North African cuisine.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
4 hrs
Total time
4 hrs 25 min
Servings
6

Instructions

Preparation

  1. 1Pat the pork shoulder cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  3. 3Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove pork and set aside.

Cooking the Stew

  1. 1Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. 2Stir in ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until aromatic.
  3. 3Return the seared pork to the pot. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. 4Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
  5. 5Stir in the dried apricots and continue to cook, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the apricots are plump and the pork easily shreds with a fork.
  6. 6Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories
651 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
38 g
Carbs
28 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories651 kcal
Protein45 g
Fat38 g
Carbs28 g

Tips

  • Ensure pork shoulder is well-seared for maximum flavor before braising; this creates a flavorful crust that deepens the stew's taste.
  • For an even richer flavor, let the stew rest overnight in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld beautifully.
  • Serve this hearty stew over couscous, rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious, spiced sauce.

By Chef Michael Ilin