Its finals week and things just get crazy. Right now, I would do anything to be on a plane to Hawaii or to Bali to enjoy the beach and some good food. Or maybe something not that extravagant something as simple as being able to cuddle on the couch with a pillow, enjoy a delicious bowl of warm stew whilst watching a movie. Anything but having to study sounds appealing right now. But doesn’t that scene sound fantastic? Its always when I have a million things to do, so much to study for that I just starting wishing and dreaming of “what if” I could be doing something else.
“What if I could be doing this” “What if I was smarter…or better” – this “what if” is so typical of being human beings. SO often, we wish we could be doing something else, rather than be where we are. I am definitely one of those people.
I came across this quote by a leader of our church that really incapsulates this idea – “How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?”. I think that is so true. How much of the present life do we really miss by wishing we were somewhere else?
Deep in thought, I remember turning to Zoe and just sharing some of my insights. That is what I love about having family and friends around. Our conversations usually revolve around rather deep matters of the heart and of life, and of what matters most. I just love being able have most of our best intellectual and heartfelt “DMC” (deep meaning conversations) in the kitchen. Making this pork stew gave us enough time to indulge in a lengthy of discussion of “gratitude”. Amidst the frantic activity of chopping, cleaning, tasting (which is the best part), measuring, weighing, we kept laughing, talking and just sharing our ideas. As the pot of pork and potatoes simmered vigorously over the stove, filling the whole room with a tomatoey, earthy aroma, I wondered just how grateful I was to be able to do what I love everyday and be able to spend time with the people I cherish the most at the same time – all in the kitchen.
Cooking is definitely where my heart is where I learn and grow. I love it so much. The kitchen is the only place where my thoughts never go to “What if I was somewhere else” – because I know this is where I want to be and where I am the happiest.
And just so you don’t have to wonder “what if” I make this delicious pork stew and what if this comes out really good? Just make it. It is way worth it. It is delicious and tastes just like your mum’s home cooking in a pot.
A plate of rice, with a ladleful of savory, flavor-filled broth and meat, sprinkle of fresh cilantro/spring onions – oh yum. A plate of deliciousness. Just sit down on the couch and enjoy this comfort food whilst you watch your movie. Then there will be no what ifs.
- 1 lb Pork Ribs/Pork chops, diced
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried rosemary/thyme
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 large potato, cut into ½" cubes
- ½ cup can of tomato OR 2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
- Salt and Pepper to taste (I also added a dash of soy sauce)
- Trim all the fat from the pork. If you are using a leaner cut you can skip this step.
- Bring a pan of water to boil. Add your pork and blanch for 2-3 minutes. Strain.
- In a large pot, sauté your onion and celery.
- Add your pork and tomatoes. Stir and cook or 5 minutes.
- Season with rosemary and oregano.
- Pour in stock and bring it to boil.
- Turn your heat to low and cover, allowing it to simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add your potatoes and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes till soft. (check with a fork).
- If it is too runny for your liking you can add a little flour/cornstarch mixed with water.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, (and soy sauce).
- Serve with warm rice, quinoa, bread or even on its own!
Potatoes: You can substitute with sweet potatoes
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