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.
Cut the boneless pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
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.
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.
Add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and ground cumin to the pan. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
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.
Cover the pan and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Transfer the pork and beans to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
1868 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.1 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 363 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 4032 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.9 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.9 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 110.4 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 356 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3333 mg | 71% | |
*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.