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Creamy Pork Stew with Banana Peppers, Potatoes, and Fluffy Dumplings

Are you craving a comforting, mildly spicy stew with a creamy base, tender pork, and delightful dumplings? This recipe for Creamy Pork Stew with Banana Peppers and Potatoes is perfect for cozy evenings. The addition of sour cream gives it a rich, velvety texture, balanced by the gentle heat of banana peppers. Top it with homemade dumplings, and you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dish everyone will love!

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Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1.5 lbs pork steaks, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 ripe banana peppers, sliced (seeded for a milder flavor)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or pork broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for mild spice)
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Pork

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Season the pork with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Brown the pork pieces on all sides until golden, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced banana peppers, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aroma.

Step 3: Build the Stew

Return the browned pork to the pot. Add diced potatoes and pour in the broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the pork is tender and potatoes are cooked through.

Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream

Once cooked, remove the lid and stir in the sour cream. Keep the heat low, cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding cayenne pepper for a mild spicy kick.

Step 5: Prepare and Cook Dumplings

While the stew simmers, make the dumpling batter. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and parsley in a bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter just until combined.

Use a spoon to drop dollops of batter onto the simmering stew. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

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Serve

Ladle the creamy pork stew into bowls, topping each with a fluffy dumpling. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy this hearty, mildly spicy comfort dish!

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Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine during cooking.
• Use a milder variety of peppers if you prefer less heat.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or celery.