Smokey Pork Stew

We had our first frost this morning! It is definitely chilly these days, and perfect stew weather. I love this time of year, putting lamps on in the evening, snuggling under a blanket to watch MasterChef and sipping n a hot chocolate. Soups & stews are my favourite Autumn foods. This stew recipe would be perfect for a Bonfire party! It has a lovely smokey taste & aroma. I just wish I had some lovely crusty bread to dip in it - but we had finished the last of my homemade bread at lunchtime :( The no-knead bread is getting eaten very quickly in our house.

500g diced pork (I used shoulder steaks & diced them)
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 smoked bacon rashers, chopped
1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
400g tin chopped tomatoes
Pinch of saffron
150ml Dry sherry
500ml vegetable stock
2 large potatoes, peeled & diced

In a large pot, heat up some oil and fry the pork until coloured. Remove from the pan to a plate, then fry the  bacon. Add this to the plate of pork.

Now fry the onion until translucent, and add the garlic. Fry for a minute or two, then add the paprika. Fry this quickly for a minute or two, then add the tomatoes, stock, sherry, saffron, pork & bacon. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes, then taste & season. Add the potato, then simmer for another 30 minutes.Serve with a swirl of sour cream & some warm crusty bread.