Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Polish home cooking! This irresistible pork stew is not just a meal – it's a warm embrace of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a hearty dish that screams comfort, this Smaona Wieprzowina z Warzywami is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g pork shoulder, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing vegetables, dicing the pork shoulder into uniform 2-cm cubes, and chopping onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Season the pork shoulder cubes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the seasoned pork shoulder cubes in batches, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This process should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the browned meat and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return the browned pork to the pot and add sliced carrots and chopped bell peppers.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the meat and vegetables are mostly covered. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew cook slowly for approximately 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread or over boiled potatoes.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor. The fat will help keep the meat juicy during the long, slow cooking process.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the meat. Don't overcrowd the pot – brown in batches to ensure each piece develops a beautiful golden crust that adds depth to the overall flavor.
- Low and Slow: The secret to a truly remarkable stew is patience. Keep the heat low and let the stew simmer gently. This allows the meat to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Prep Ahead: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, boiled potatoes, or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious juices.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery for extra depth and nutrition. Just ensure they're cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 314kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
