- 4 ancho chili peppers, seeds and stems removed
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons each coriander, cumin and fennel seed (you can use ground but toasting the seeds and grinding them yourself will give more nutty, smoky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
- 3 pounds pork shoulder/butt, cut into 2-inch cubes
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 2 onions, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced
- 2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Toasted pepitas, lime-pickled onions and/or cilantro leaves, for topping
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Pre-heat the oven to 325°F.
Place the anchos in a pot with the stock and bring to a simmer to soften the peppers. Puree and reserve.
Toast the seeds, if using, and grind in a spice mill.
Bring the meat to room temperature and pat dry; season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat in batches and remove. Add the onions, garlic and ground spices, then partially cover the pot. Soften the onions, 7-8 minutes, then add the pepper puree, pork, squash and honey; stir. Cover and transfer to the oven.
Roast the stew for 75-90 minutes, until the pork is very tender. Serve the stew in shallow bowls with garnishes of your choice.
This is one of many “Yum-o!” recipes – it’s good and good for you. To find out more about Yum-o!, Rachael’s nonprofit organization, visit
www.yum-o.org.