Chinese-style Mountain Stew

Ingredients

In this Chinese adaptation of Cocido Montañés, we incorporate Chinese spices such as star anise, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns to infuse the stew with a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, we use Chinese vegetables like bok choy and Chinese mushrooms to enhance the dish's authenticity. The cooking technique remains similar, with the stew simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. We alse have the original recipe for Cocido montañés, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 200g (7 oz) dried white beans, soaked overnight 200g (7 oz) dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 liters (8 cups) chicken broth 2 liters (8 cups) chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 bok choy, chopped 2 bok choy, chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) Chinese mushrooms, soaked and sliced 100g (3.5 oz) Chinese mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and sliced ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked white beans, chicken broth, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. 4.
   Add the browned pork, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, bok choy, and Chinese mushrooms to the pot. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the star anise before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the Chinese-style Mountain Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder before cubing it to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
• Chinese mushrooms — Soak the mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes until they become soft and pliable before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a small amount of chili paste or chili oil to the stew.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Feel free to add other Chinese vegetables like snow peas or baby corn for additional flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked beans and potatoes to create a creamier consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese-style Mountain Stew in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the stew before serving. This will create an appealing visual contrast and make the dish more enticing.