Moroccan-Flavored Pork Ragu
Recipe from EatingWell

This type of stew is normally cooked slowly for a few hours using tougher and fattier meat from the shoulder or rib area, but this quick version uses lean boneless pork chops. The lean meat becomes dry and hard when overcooked, so do pay attention to the cooking times. Serve over couscous, bulgur or rice, and garnish with a blend of 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped scallions and 1 tablespoon chopped mint.


Moroccan-Flavored Pork Ragu


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Prep Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4 servings, about 1 1/4 cups each
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Ingredients
 
savings in
 
  • 2    lemonsOn Sale
  • 2 1/2  teaspoons  extra-virgin olive oil, dividedOn Sale
  • 2  teaspoons  paprika, preferably HungarianOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  ground turmericOn Sale
  • 1  teaspoon  ground corianderOn Sale
  • 1/2  teaspoon  ground cuminOn Sale
  • 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground pepperOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  ground ginger, plus 1 pinch, dividedOn Sale
  • 1 1/2  pounds  boneless pork chops, (1 inch thick), trimmed of fat, cut into 1-inch cubesOn Sale
  • 1  14-ounce can  reduced-sodium chicken brothOn Sale
  • 1  cup  butternut squash, diced (1/2-inch dice)On Sale
  • 1  cup  carrots, sliced (1/2 inch thick)On Sale
  • 1  cup  canned chickpeas, rinsedOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  onion, choppedOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  canned diced tomatoesOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  preserved lemon, chopped rinsed, (see Note; optional)On Sale
  • 1  tablespoon  tomato pasteOn Sale
  • 2  teaspoons  minced garlicOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  hot sauce, such as TabascoOn Sale
  • 1  pinch  ground cinnamonOn Sale
  • 1  pinch  ground allspiceOn Sale

Directions
1.
Zest and juice the lemon(s) to get 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice; reserve the zest. Combine the juice, 1/2 teaspoon oil, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cumin, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon ginger in a medium bowl. Add pork; stir to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2.
Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook, stirring, until no longer pink on the outside and beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate.
3.
Add broth, squash, carrots, chickpeas, onion, tomatoes, preserved lemon (if using), tomato paste, garlic, hot sauce, cinnamon, allspice, the reserved lemon zest and the remaining pinch of ginger to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the pork, return to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the pork is just cooked through, 2 to 5 minutes more.

Tips:
Note: Although entirely optional, preserved lemons make this ragu more authentic. A signature flavor in Moroccan dishes, lemons that are preserved in a salt-lemon juice mixture for at least 30 days have a salty, sweet taste and tender texture. Find them at specialty food stores or online at surlatable.com.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: The pork can be marinated (Step 1) for up to 4 hours.

Nutrition information
Calories 332, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 67 mg, Sodium 306 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 30 g, Potassium 798 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin A 240%, Vitamin C 45%, Iron 15%. Exchanges: Starch 1.5,Vegetable 1,Lean Meat 3. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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