Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz Ditalini, Orzo, or Alphabets, uncooked
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean, boneless pork loin, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/8 tsp ground red pepper
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 3 13 1/4-oz. cans fat-free, low-sodium beef broth
• 1 1/2 Tbs minced fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 2 Tbs lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot until hot.
2. Add pork and cook until no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well.
3. Toss cooked pork with ground red pepper and black pepper in a bowl; set aside.
4. Add 1/4 cup beef broth to the pot; add chopped onion and celery, and cook until tender.
5. Add the cooked pork, remaining beef broth, minced rosemary, and salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Add uncooked pasta and sweet potato cubes. Boil, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta is done and sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in chopped spinach and lime juice. The stew will continue to absorb liquid.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Here are some variations of the Pork and Sweet Potato Stew recipe:

1. Spicy Pork Stew: Add extra ground red pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to make the stew spicier. You can also incorporate some diced jalapeño or chili peppers for more heat.
2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a vegetarian version of the stew. Replace the pork with plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
3. Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew: Substitute the pork with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cook the chicken until no longer pink and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
4. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew: Replace the pork with lean beef cubes, such as stewing beef or beef chuck. Brown the beef before adding onions and celery, then continue with the rest of the instructions.
5. Curry Pork and Sweet Potato Stew: Add curry powder or curry paste to the stew for an aromatic and flavorful twist. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
6. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors. Try thyme, oregano, or sage in place of rosemary. Cumin and paprika can also add interesting flavors.
7. Fall Harvest Stew: Add other fall vegetables like butternut squash, pumpkin, or parsnips to create a hearty fall harvest stew.
8. Asian-inspired Stew: Replace the rosemary with ginger and garlic for an Asian-inspired flavor profile. Add soy sauce or fish sauce for umami and depth of taste.
9. Creamy Stew: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end to make the stew creamier and richer.
10. Seafood Stew: For a seafood twist, add shrimp or chunks of white fish to the stew. Cook the seafood for a shorter time to avoid overcooking.
11. Mediterranean Pork and Sweet Potato Stew: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts to give the stew a Mediterranean twist. Season with dried oregano, basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
12. Smoky Pork and Sweet Potato Stew: Incorporate smoked paprika and a touch of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor profile.