Chef Chuck's Pork Stew

Spezzatino di maiale

Pork is a popular meat in Italy as well as America and a great choice for a robust stew. This tender white meat is a good choice for stews. Chianti adds the warmth and aroma to this stew and my kitchen. All these ingredients combined with the fresh sprig of rosemary truly enhances this dish. A quick and nutritious dinner for the whole family. Serve with a salad, bread and finish the Chianti!

Pork Stew

1 pound boneless cubed

3 celery stalks chopped

2 carrots chopped

1 onion sliced

3 garlic cloves minced

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup Chianti wine

1 large can San Marzano tomatoes

2 potatoes peeled and cubed

1 potato peeled whole

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed

1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and brown pork for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add 2 more tablespoons olive oil and saute' onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add garlic, deglaze pot with wine then pour in chicken broth, tomatoes and meat. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, rosemary and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then simmer 1/2 hour. Turn heat off add beans and mash whole potato.

Chef Chuck's Swordfish Stew

Pesce Spada!


I can remember walking early in the morning on the streets of Sicily, and there was a long line coming out of a very small shop. I peeked in and saw the neighborhood fishmonger cutting slices off a huge 100 pound swordfish. He said this will be gone by noon. It does not get any fresher than that, so when purchasing your fish only get the freshest you can find. I have a passion for swordfish steaks and this particular recipe is my winter reserve. The fish with its meaty flavor pairs up well with the salty capers. All these wonderful flavors and smells really warms me up. If you can't purchase fresh swordfish, tuna can be substituted.


Chef Chuck's Swordfish Stew 
1 pound swordfish 1/2 inch thick
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion sliced
3 celery stalks chopped
2 carrots chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
black pepper to taste
1/4 cup black olives sliced in half
1 tablespoon capers
1/4 cup chickpeas
2 cups San Marzano tomatoes
1 cup water
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf


In a large pot heat 2 tablespoons olive oil cook your soffritto, which is onions, celery and carrots for 5 minutes. Add garlic for another minute. Now add black pepper, olives, capers, chickpeas, tomatoes, water, broth and bay leaf. Bring to boil and then simmer for 20 minutes with lid on stirring occasionally. Add fish whole or cut in half put lid back on and simmer 5 minutes. Ladle soup in bowl and drizzle olive oil on top.