These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. ~ Najwa Zebian
A few weeks ago, winter officially set in with snow drifts and cold snaps across most of the Northern hemisphere. Here, hovering by the equator, I was trying to shed the pounds that has lovingly stuck onto me – stubborn burrs on a summer hike. As I ran, maybe jogged, (who am I kidding?) really it’s a plod, along one of the quieter routes close by my house, flanked by high-rise residential apartments and a token strip of secondary forest, my thoughts were on vast mountains, endless slopes and expansive skies; on the late summer hike not far from our home (read about it here). I recalled wild hogs, turkeys and deer going about their business, mostly ignoring hikers and casual walkers who respectfully kept our distances and stayed quiet. This is the essence of living in two contrasting places – a Californian suburbia that is a stone’s throw from the ocean, mountains and desert and an urban jungle with manicured horticulture across most of Singapore. Both are modern, developed cities with the latest in industry, infrastructure, entertainment and technology, yet can feel a world apart separated by one ocean. Perhaps I was experiencing a proverbial case of the grass being greener on the other side. Nonetheless, in that moment, I felt fortunate for the opportunity to compare, remember and cherish.
By that time I was on my fourth week of running 3 to 4 times a week, very close to forming a reliable habit of it. My shoes were showing signs of wear and I thought some motivation was in order. This is my 3rd pair of Gel Contend by Acics (I’m not paid for the endorsement). I love them, my feet love them. I slightly over-pronate and the support is a nice cushion against the in-step. As a rookie runner covering only 5Ks on average, the Contend series has been comfortable with adequate support and at the reasonable price point. It helps there is a wide range of colors to choose from 🙂 Hey, a girl’s gotta look good!
Despite the heat and humidity, I yearned for something that reminded me of cozy Californian winters. I know, west coast winters are for wimps, but it’s home to me. Soups and stews are my staples when the temps head south. I add chunks of beef, pork or chicken to make the lazy wo/man’s one-pot dinner. What’s more, these keep well and taste even better when re-heated the following day(s). (Here’s a tip on how to store soups and stews without refrigeration. It work in both cold and warm climes). This pork stew is deceptively simple. The list of ingredients is long and can be off-putting but really once everything is mise en place, it’s a piece of cake.
- 1lb pork cubes
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 leek, all thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped shallots or sweet onions
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup white wine
- 3 medium carrots, cut into rough chunks or faux tourné
- 1½ cups chicken stock
- 1 14.5 ounce can chopped tomatoes or 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 3 Tbsp apple juice
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 3 - 4 meaty mushrooms, eg. cremini or shiitake, cut in quarters
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Season pork cubes in salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large dutch oven or heavy pan over medium heat. Carefully place pork, one layer at a time into the pot and brown each side. Transfer browned pieces onto a plate.
- Add leeks, shallots, and garlic and saute till leeks are wilted. Add wine to deglaze the pan, gently scrapping the browned pieces from the bottom.
- Add carrots, potatoes, chicken stock, tomatoes or tomato paste, apple juice, bay leaves, basil, oregano and thyme. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the pork and simmer covered for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms and continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes. Carrots and potatoes should be tender.
- Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Like what you see? Sign up here for more easy recipes delivered right into your Inbox!
Tips:
- Caramelized onions are a god-send to stews and any dish that needs that extra bit of smoky sweetness. Low heat and patience are needed in good measure, so I tend to cook up a large batch and freeze them in ice cube trays to save time.
- Wash and finely chop unused fresh parsley to freeze in cubes as well. Thaw what you need and sprinkle as garnish.
Also try these other cold-weather stews:
We want to see your culinary creations too! Tag it with #gingerandcilantro.blog and share your pictures and comments below or on Instagram!