Special Pork Beans

Indulge in the hearty goodness of "Special Pork Beans," the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pork shoulder, creamy cannellini beans, and a medley of bold spices for a deeply satisfying meal. This one-pot recipe features perfectly seared pork cubes simmered in a rich broth of crushed tomatoes and chicken stock, infused with aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the beans soak up the flavorful sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep and a low-and-slow cook time, this dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep for the week. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Whether paired with crusty bread or enjoyed solo, this hearty and protein-packed dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs pork shoulder
• 3 cups cannellini beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the pork pieces in a single layer, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Remove the browned pork and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 7

Return the browned pork to the pot and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender.

Step 9

After 1 hour, add the cannellini beans to the pot. Stir well and simmer uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2206.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2416.4

Total Fat 112.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 600.3mg	0%
Sodium 5484.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.7g	0%
Total Sugars 18.6g
Protein 214.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 634.9mg	0%
Iron 25.4mg	0%
Potassium 5504.2mg	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: 42.4%

Protein: 35.8%

Carbs: 21.8%