Best Easy Spezzatino di Maiale Recipe

Italian pork stew braised with tomatoes, wine, and herbs until tender. This high protein mediterranean family dinner is a comforting carnivore dish that freezes well for meal prep.

Cook 105 min Difficulty NORMAL 360 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #meal prep
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless pork shoulder 2.5 lbs
  • yellow onion 2 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • crushed tomatoes 2 cups
  • dry white wine 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • fresh rosemary 2 sprigs
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.75 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 12 g 13%
Protein 30 g 34%
Fat 18 g 53%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut pork shoulder into 2-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels to ensure good browning.

  2. 2

    In a heavy Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides, then set aside.

  3. 3

    Lower the heat to medium, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté vegetables for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in minced garlic, cook for 1 minute, then pour in white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the browned bits.

  5. 5

    Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return pork to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 1.5–2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    Remove lid for final 20 minutes to allow stew to thicken slightly. Discard bay leaves and rosemary sprigs before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Spezzatino di Maiale recipe?
The core ingredient is boneless pork shoulder, which gives the stew its rich, savory foundation and tender texture after braising. The aromatic base of onions, carrots, and celery, as well as the infusion of garlic, tomatoes, wine, and herbs, all support but do not overshadow the pork's defining flavor.
Q. What is the most important technique for perfectly tender pork in this dish?
Careful browning of pork over medium-high heat before braising is essential for flavor depth, followed by gentle simmering over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. This long, slow cooking breaks down connective tissue, ensuring the pork turns out fork-tender and juicy.
Q. How can I prevent the stew from becoming watery or overcooked?
Stir the stew every 30 minutes to prevent sticking, and remove the lid for the final 20 minutes of braising. This helps excess liquid evaporate, giving you a thicker, richer sauce and guarding against overcooking the vegetables and meat.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio and calorie count per serving in this recipe?
Each serving contains 30g protein and 12g carbohydrates, with a caloric breakdown of about 34% protein and 13% carbohydrates. Total calories per serving are approximately 360 kcal, making it a high-protein main course.
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