Mote Stew Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. of pork shoulder, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup of mote (dried corn kernels)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp. of ground cumin
- 1 tsp. of paprika
- 1 tsp. of dried oregano
- 4 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Soak the mote in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.

2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides.

3. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the pot and stir well.

5. Drain the soaked mote and add it to the pot.

6. Pour in the water and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

8. Simmer the stew for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the mote is cooked through.

9. Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 1-2 hours
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the pork
- Low heat for simmering the stew
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with beef or chicken.
- Mote can be substituted with hominy or barley.

Variations:
- Add chopped potatoes or carrots to the stew for extra vegetables.
- Use different spices, such as chili powder or coriander, to change the flavor profile.
- Add a can of black beans or kidney beans to the stew for extra protein and fiber.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the mote overnight will help it cook faster and more evenly.
- Browning the pork before adding the vegetables will add extra flavor to the stew.
- Stir the stew occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking or burning.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stew in individual bowls with a side of crusty bread or tortillas.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream or plain yogurt
- Shredded cheese

Pairings:
- Serve the stew with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread or tortillas
- Rice or quinoa
- Steamed vegetables or salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out.
- If the stew is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover stew in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
- Mote stew is a traditional dish from the Andean region of South America, where mote (dried corn kernels) has been a staple food for centuries.

Flavor profiles:
- Mote stew is savory and slightly spicy, with a rich and hearty flavor from the pork and vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or tortillas for a satisfying and filling meal.

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Region: Peruvian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic