This savory slow cooker pork and gandules stew combines the heartiness of pork with the robust flavors of gandules and a blend of spices. The tenderness of slow-cooked pork pairs beautifully with the full-bodied gandules, making this a comfort meal that's perfect for any time of the year.
Gandules, also known as pigeon peas, are not a common ingredient found in every household. They are a staple food in Latin America and Caribbean cuisine and are typically sold canned in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Sazon seasoning is a type of seasoned salt found in Spanish and Mexican cooking, it can be located in the spice aisle or international food section.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew
Pork tenderloin: The star of the dish, the pork tenderloin, when slow-cooked, becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
Olive oil: Used to marinate the pork, it helps in infusing flavors.
Dried oregano: Adds a robust flavor to the pork.
Cumin: Gives a bit of warmth and earthiness.
Gandules: Also known as pigeon peas, they add a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
Onion, Red pepper, and Jalapeno: These vegetables add a crunch and freshness to the stew.
Tomato sauce: It gives the stew a tangy twist.
Olives: Adds a briny kick.
Potato, Carrot, Celery: They make the stew more filling and nutritious.
Greens: They add color and nutritional value.
One reader, Cybill Tillery says:
This slow cooker pork and gandules stew recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the pork is incredibly tender. It's so convenient to prepare, and the aroma while it cooks is mouthwatering. This dish has become a family favorite, and I love how easy it is to make. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required
Marinating the pork: Mix the olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, and sazon seasoning in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is evenly coated. Refrigerate the pork overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Using a slow cooker: When using a slow cooker, it's important to ensure that the ingredients are layered properly. Start with the pork at the bottom, followed by the gandules, onion, garlic, red pepper, jalapeno, tomato sauce, olives, potato, carrot, celery, and greens. Add the water to create a flavorful broth.
Cooking time and temperature: For best results, cook the stew on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender.
How To Make Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew
This gandules stew is a Latin-inspired dish with pork tenderloin and gandules or pigeon peas. You can have it either as a stew with rice or a soup.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Pork:
- 1lbboneless pork tenderloincubed
- 1tspolive oil
- ½tbspdried oregano
- ¼tspcumin
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- ½juice of lime
- 1½tspsazon seasoning
For Stew:
- 29ozgandulesor pigeon peas
- 1onionsmall, chopped
- 4clovesgarliccrushed
- 1cupred pepperdiced
- 1tbspdiced jalapeno
- ½cuptomato sauce
- 2tbspoliveswith brine
- 1potatopeeled and diced, about 1½ cups
- 1carrotdiced
- 1celerydiced
- 2cupsgreensescaroles, chopped kale or baby spinach
- 1cupwater
Instructions
-
Marinate the pork with oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice and sazon.
-
Refrigerate overnight for best results.
-
Transfer to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
-
Cover and cook 4 hours on High or 8 hours on Low.
Nutrition
- Calories: 121.08kcal
- Fat: 3.02g
- Saturated Fat: 0.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.47g
- Carbohydrates: 10.44g
- Fiber: 2.14g
- Sugar: 2.76g
- Protein: 13.11g
- Cholesterol: 36.85mg
- Sodium: 249.12mg
- Calcium: 31.96mg
- Potassium: 498.80mg
- Iron: 1.40mg
- Vitamin A: 98.86µg
- Vitamin C: 34.44mg
Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew
To ensure the pork is tender and flavorful, it's crucial to marinate it overnight. The marinade, which includes olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, lime juice, and sazon seasoning, penetrates the pork tenderloin and infuses it with a rich, savory taste. This process also helps to tenderize the meat, making it more succulent and easier to eat. When you're ready to cook, simply transfer the marinated pork to your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and let it do the work. The slow, gentle heat of the slow cooker will further tenderize the pork and meld the flavors together, resulting in a hearty, satisfying stew.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew
Prep ahead: Marinate the pork and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut vegetables to reduce prep time and make the cooking process more efficient.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup, saving time on washing up after the meal.
Multi-task: While the stew is cooking, use the time to prepare side dishes or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in a food processor: A food processor can help speed up the chopping and dicing of ingredients, saving valuable time during meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules (Pigeon Peas) Stew Recipe
boneless pork tenderloin - Substitute with boneless pork shoulder: Pork shoulder is a flavorful and tender cut that works well in slow-cooked stews, providing a rich and succulent texture.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Marjoram has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for oregano in this recipe.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the other spices in the recipe, providing a delicious alternative to cumin.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder and slightly earthier flavor compared to black pepper, adding a unique twist to the stew's seasoning.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime to provide a citrusy brightness to the dish, balancing the flavors of the stew.
sazon seasoning - Substitute with homemade sazon seasoning: Create a homemade sazon seasoning blend using ingredients such as ground annatto, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and salt to replicate the flavors of commercial sazon seasoning.
gandules - Substitute with pigeon peas: Pigeon peas can be used as a substitute for gandules, offering a similar texture and nutty flavor to enhance the stew.
red pepper - Substitute with yellow pepper: Yellow pepper provides a slightly sweeter flavor compared to red pepper, adding a vibrant color and taste to the stew.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano pepper offers a similar level of heat and a bright, crisp flavor, making it a suitable alternative to jalapeno in the recipe.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a thicker consistency and a more intense tomato flavor to the stew.
olives - Substitute with capers: Capers offer a briny and slightly tangy flavor, serving as a suitable replacement for olives in the stew.
potato - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potato adds a touch of natural sweetness and a creamy texture, complementing the savory elements of the stew.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnip provides a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor compared to carrots, adding depth to the stew's taste profile.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel offers a mild licorice-like flavor and a crunchy texture, serving as an alternative to celery in the stew.
greens - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for greens, providing a hearty and nutrient-rich addition to the stew.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to replace water, enhancing the overall flavor of the stew and adding depth to the cooking liquid.
Presenting Your Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker pork and gandules stew, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a layer of flavor to the stew.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crispy element to contrast the tender pork and gandules stew. You can achieve this by serving the stew alongside a delicate plantain chip or a light and airy yucca crisp.
Utilize elegant serving vessels: Opt for sophisticated serving vessels such as ceramic bowls or porcelain ramekins to elevate the presentation of the stew. The choice of servingware can enhance the overall dining experience and add a touch of refinement.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that every element is meticulously arranged. Precision in plating demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the dish to a professional level.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation. Allow the stew to be the focal point while using the surrounding space to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Add a drizzle of vibrant sauce: Elevate the visual appeal of the dish by adding a carefully drizzled adobo sauce or a vibrant achiote oil to create an artistic and flavorful element on the plate.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and edible flowers as a garnish. Edible flowers not only add a visually stunning element but also bring a subtle floral note to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Pork and Gandules Stew
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, making it perfect for slow-cooking stews and soups.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting and trimming the pork and vegetables.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure and add the various spices and seasonings to the dish.
- Measuring cups: Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring and adding liquids such as water and tomato sauce to the stew.
- Mixing spoon: A mixing spoon is used for stirring and combining the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Vegetable peeler: A vegetable peeler is necessary for peeling the potato and carrot.
- Can opener: A can opener is needed to open the can of gandules.
- Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to easily crush and mince the garlic cloves.
- Lime squeezer: A lime squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lime for marinating the pork.
- Saucepan: A saucepan may be used to sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers before adding them to the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used for marinating the pork overnight for best results.
How To Store and Freeze Pork and Gandules Stew
Allow the pork and gandules stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.
Transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag. If using a container, leave about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the name of the dish and the date it was prepared. This will help you keep track of how long the stew has been stored.
Refrigerator storage: The pork and gandules stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent any odors from absorbing into the stew.
Freezer storage: The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat the stew, transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to thin out the stew if it has thickened during storage.
If you have any leftover pork or vegetables from the stew, you can store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These can be used in other dishes or added back into the stew when reheating.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Reheat the pork and gandules stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 10-15 minutes). This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even heating, while also allowing you to add a splash of water or broth if the stew becomes too thick.
Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of stew to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a small amount.
For a crispy twist, transform leftover pork and gandules stew into a delicious filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Shred the pork and mix it with the gandules and vegetables, then wrap the filling in tortillas and bake until crispy.
Create a hearty breakfast hash by sautéing diced potatoes and onions until crispy, then adding leftover pork and gandules stew to the pan. Top with a fried egg for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast.
Repurpose the stew as a topping for nachos or loaded fries. Reheat the stew in a saucepan or microwave, then spoon it over a bed of tortilla chips or crispy french fries. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and jalapenos for extra flavor and texture.
Random Fact about Pork and Gandules Stew
Gandules are also known as pigeon peas and are a staple in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. They are a great source of protein and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to this slow cooker pork and gandules stew recipe.
Is Making Pork and Gandules Stew at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker pork and gandules stew recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as pork tenderloin, gandules, and vegetables, are generally affordable and readily available. The slow cooking method also allows for cheaper cuts of meat to be used, making it budget-friendly. With an approximate cost of $15, this hearty stew can feed a family of four, making it a cost-effective option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Pork and Gandules Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker pork and gandules stew recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. The pork tenderloin provides lean protein, while the gandules (pigeon peas), vegetables, and greens offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The use of herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, and sazon adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of sazon seasoning, as it often contains high levels of sodium
- Use low-sodium tomato sauce to further control salt intake
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to pork for added nutrients and fiber
- Opt for whole grain or legume-based side dishes to complement the stew
To make this recipe even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or squash to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Include a larger proportion of leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, for added fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or purple potatoes, for a wider range of nutrients
- Serve the stew with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain bread to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor and nutrients
Editor's Thoughts on This Pork and Gandules Stew Recipe
This slow cooker pork and gandules stew recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinated pork tenderloin adds a rich and savory taste, while the gandules, vegetables, and seasonings create a harmonious blend of aromas. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a hearty and comforting stew. The addition of sazon seasoning and jalapeno adds a touch of warmth and depth to the dish. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules (Pigeon Peas) Stew Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Pork and Gandules Stew
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with This Stew
Why trust this Slow Cooker Pork and Gandules (Pigeon Peas) Stew Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent pork tenderloin infused with aromatic oregano and cumin, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of sazon seasoning and a splash of lime juice elevates the dish to new heights. The stew features hearty gandules, vibrant red pepper, and a medley of vegetables that simmer to perfection. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe ensures tender, flavorful results every time. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients to deliver a memorable dining experience.
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