Good for the Soul

Hark, is that Fall I hear? My crockpot is banging at the pantry door wanting to be let out. I think it's time to start "Stirring the Stew"! I love this time of year. I'm sad to see Summer slip away but I embrace the rituals of preparing for Fall. A simmering crockpot on the counter and cookies baking in the oven totally turns me on! It's not quite time for a fire in the fireplace but that will come soon enough. Cuban Pork and Sweet Potato Stew is one of my favorite recipes. It goes together quickly, is very low fat, tastes delicious and is freezer friendly. Everything about it shouts "Fall has arrived"! I ususally prep it at night and place it in the fridge till morning. Then I just toss it into the crockpot and away I go! Serve this spicy stew with a crispy salad and you have one filling, healthy dinner. Who would like a cookie for dessert?

"There is nothing like soup. It is by nature eccentric: no two are ever alike, unless of course you get soup in a can." - Laurie Colwin, Home Cooking

Perfect stew making music: Candela - Buena Vista Social Club

Cuban Pork and Sweet Potato Stew

1 lg. sweet potato (1/2 inch dice)

1 lb. lean pork loin

14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1- 7 oz. can diced green chiles

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1/2 c. orange juice

2 large dried chiles

1 bunch chopped scallions

1 tsp. each salt, cumin, chipolte chili pepper

1/2 tsp black pepper

16 oz. chicken stock

1 Tbsp. lime juice

1/4 c. chopped cilantro

1 can white kidney beans

Place all ingredients except lime juice, cilantro and beans into crockpot. Cover and cook on low for approx. 7 hours. Using tongs pull out the dried chiles and pork. Allow to cool enough to handle. Remove stems from chiles and puree with a little of the broth. Add the chile puree back to the crock pot. Shred the pork into bite sized pieces and add back to the crockpot. Add the white beans, lime juice and chopped cilantro. Cook for 30 more minutes. May be be served over a scoop of brown rice and topped with chunks of avocado & a few dashes of green Tobasco....SOOO Tasty!!