BHA & BHT Free Pork and Apple Stew

Total time2 hr

Prep time20 min

Cook time1 hr 40 min

4.6

(10)

Warm, deeply savory, and just a little sweet from the Granny Smith apples, this pork shoulder stew is the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. Avoiding BHA and BHT means steering clear of a lot of packaged broths, seasoning blends, and processed fats that sneak those preservatives in — here, every single ingredient is whole and straightforward, from the coconut oil used for searing to the bone broth that builds the base. The pork gets a proper golden crust before it ever meets the liquid, which adds a richness that carries through the entire long simmer. Fresh ginger, turmeric, and Ceylon cinnamon layer in warmth without leaning sweet, while the apple cider vinegar brightens everything just enough to keep it from feeling heavy. Carrots, celery, and apple chunks soften into the broth over the low-and-slow cook time, giving you a stew that's hearty and textured rather than thin or one-note. Fresh thyme and rosemary do the aromatic heavy lifting that dried spice packets usually claim to do — and without any of the additives those packets often carry. Finish with a handful of chopped parsley and you've got a bowl that's genuinely satisfying and completely clean from start to finish.

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Ingredients

4 servings

2 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
2 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 cups bone broth
1 cup water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary

For serving

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season all over with 1 tsp salt.
2
Heat the coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, add the pork in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown on at least two sides. Transfer the seared pork to a plate and set aside.

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