My Italian nana taught me this recipe, and it's been my hubby's fave!

Ever find yourself dreaming of a rustic Italian getaway? Me too, but let's face it, dropping everything for a Tuscan adventure isn't always in the cards. That's why I'm bringing a slice of Italy right to your kitchen with my Slow Cooker Tuscan Pork Stew. This dish is a comforting hug in a bowl, with tender pork shoulder, white beans, and a rich, herb-infused tomato broth that simmers to perfection while you tackle your to-do list. It's perfect for those days when you want a meal that feels gourmet without spending hours over a hot stove. Plus, your home will smell amazing – a bonus in my book!

My Tuscan Pork Stew is delightfully hearty on its own, but I love to pair it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into that savory broth. If you're looking to up your veggie game, serve it alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. And, for the ultimate comfort meal, a side of creamy polenta does wonders to soak up all that rich flavor.

Slow Cooker Tuscan Pork Stew
Servings: 6 servings

- 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1. Season the pork shoulder pieces with salt and black pepper to taste.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and brown on all sides, then place the pork into the slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using), and then add the diced tomatoes, white beans, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

5. Stir to combine all the ingredients well. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and the flavors are melded.

6. Give the stew a good stir and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

- If you're not a fan of pork or looking for a lighter option, you can substitute chicken thighs for the pork shoulder.
- Wine adds depth to the stew, but if you prefer, you can replace the wine with an additional cup of chicken broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give it more body and creaminess.
- To make this dish even more convenient, you can brown the pork and veggies the night before, then store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pop everything in the slow cooker, and off you go!
- If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully and the flavors are even better the next day.

And there you have it – a luscious, comforting Tuscan Pork Stew that's as easy as setting it and forgetting it. Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday supper. Enjoy!