Pork and Beans Appetizer

Serve up bold, comforting flavors with this Pork and Beans Appetizer—a hearty creation that combines tender, bite-sized pieces of seared pork shoulder with creamy, protein-packed white beans in a rich, smoky tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, and simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth, this dish offers a perfectly balanced blend of warmth and spice. Ready in just over an hour, it's easy to prepare yet guaranteed to impress. Topped with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday spreads. Pair it with crusty bread or serve as is for the ultimate shared starter.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless pork shoulder
• 15 ounces canned white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the boneless pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork pieces and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and in the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.

Step 5

Return the seared pork to the pan. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Cover the pan and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 7

Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pan. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beans are heated through.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Transfer the pork and beans to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1318.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1868.1

Total Fat 122.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 4031.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.2g
Protein 110.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 355.8mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 3332.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.8%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 18.9%