Creamy Bean Stew with crispy Pork Bits

This comforting and hearty bean stew is enriched with a creamy base and spiced, then topped with crispy pork bits for added texture and flavour. It's perfect for a cozy meal with chutney, creamed buttermilk or cheese dollops, and crispy bread.

Cut:
Creamy Bean Stew with crispy Pork Bits

Ingredients

For the Stew:
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mother-in-law spice mix
  • 1-2 crushed garlic cloves
  • 3-4 cups canned and drained butter beans and sugar beans
  • 2 cups baby spinach or chopped spinach
  • 2 cups milk or buttermilk
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1/3 cup corn starch
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
For the Crispy Pork Bits:
  • Off-cut pork bits (such as belly, shoulder or bacon)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
  • Chutney or chilli sauce
  • Creamed buttermilk or cheese
  • Crispy bread

Method

Prepare the Stew: Add a dollop of oil to a deep cast iron pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, ground cumin, ground paprika, and mother-in-law spice mix. Fry until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

Add the beans, milk or buttermilk, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Mix the cornstarch with some water to create a slurry, then add it to the stew to thicken it. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the stew thickens.

Fold in the spinach and cook until wilted.

Heat some oil separately and add the pork bits to prepare the Crispy Pork Bits—season with coriander seeds, salt, and black pepper.

Fry the pork bits until they are nice and crispy. Towards the end of cooking, add the Worcestershire sauce to caramelise the pork.

Serve the creamy bean stew in bowls, topped with crispy pork bits.

Add a chutney or chilli sauce dollop, creamed buttermilk or cheese, and serve with crispy bread on the side.

Enjoy this delightful Creamy Bean Stew with Crispy Mixed Pork Bits for a satisfying and flavourful meal!