Maltese Winter Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork, cubed
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 1 small cabbage, shredded 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup broad beans 1 cup broad beans
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) beef or vegetable broth 1.5 liters (6 cups) beef or vegetable broth

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the pork and beef cubes to the pot, and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the shredded cabbage, diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and broad beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Maltese Winter Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork and beef — For a more tender and flavorful stew, marinate the meat in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Cabbage — To ensure the cabbage cooks evenly, shred it into thin strips. If you prefer a softer texture, cook the cabbage for a longer period of time.
• Broad beans — If fresh broad beans are not available, you can use frozen ones. Make sure to thaw them before adding to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the stew during the cooking process.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the pot. Stir well to incorporate.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Maltese Winter Stew in deep bowls, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. It pairs well with a simple green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.