Spicy Pork Stew with Fresh Mozzarella

Spicy stew with fresh mozzarella? I thought it sounded weird too - but I wanted to try it. The stew has a kick, so I wanted something creamy to balance out the flavors. It's incredible! You can serve the dish with (or over) rice or noodles or with a hunk of crusty bread.

Spicy Pork Stew with Fresh Mozzarella

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup minced white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno or habanero chile pepper, seeded and minced 
12 ounces lean pork loin, cut into bite-size pieces 
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato paste
2 bay leaves 
2 teaspoons hot sauce (any variety)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4-6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size pieces
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno pepper and cook for 3 minutes, until soft. Add the pork and cook for 3 minutes, until browned on all sides. 
Add the broth, tomato paste and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and stir in the bell peppers (we want them warm, but still crunchy - to contrast the other textures).
Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle the stew into bowls, add the mozzarella cheese and top with green onions.

Serves 4


Photo: nipitphand