Cheese pockets in sour cream sauce with capers

Cheese-Stuffed Pork Pockets in Creamy Caper Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't dream of a savory dish that combines textures and flavors? Cheese-stuffed pork pockets in creamy caper sauce are a perfect choice for a special dinner or an impressive lunch. These delicious pockets, enjoyed with gusto, are a true symphony of tastes, with a rich history in traditional cuisine. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare, enjoy, and customize them to your liking.

Ingredients

- 600 g pork shoulder
- 150 g braided cheese (or telemea cheese)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 50 g butter
- 1 red onion
- Fresh dill (about 2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Fresh parsley (about 2 tablespoons, chopped)
- 50 g capers
- 250 ml white wine
- Salt, pepper, paprika (to taste)

Ingredient Tips

- Pork shoulder: Choose a piece of meat with a good balance of meat and fat. This will ensure the juiciness of your pockets.
- Cheese: If you prefer a stronger flavor, opt for telemea cheese. Braided cheese provides a finer texture.
- Capers: They add a salty-bitter taste that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. If you don't have capers, you can use chopped green olives.
- White wine: Choose a quality wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will intensify in the sauce.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the meat:
- Cut the pork shoulder into four equal pieces. With a sharp knife, make a slit on the side of each piece to form a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through; just create a space for the filling.

2. The filling:
- Peel and finely chop the onion. In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, diced or grated cheese, dill, and parsley. Add a tablespoon of sour cream to bind the ingredients and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Mix well.

3. Filling the pockets:
- Divide the filling mixture into four equal portions. Stuff each portion into the slit of each piece of meat. Use toothpicks to secure the pockets, ensuring that the filling doesn’t escape during cooking.

4. Cooking the pockets:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on each pocket. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the pockets and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes per side).

5. Making the sauce:
- After the pockets are nicely browned, add the white wine and, if necessary, a little water. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. This step will allow the pork to tenderize and absorb the flavors from the wine.

6. Finishing the sauce:
- Once the time is up, remove the lid and add the remaining sour cream and capers to the sauce in the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and flavorful.

7. Serving:
- Serve the pockets warm, drizzled with the creamy caper sauce. A delicious side of baked potatoes and a fresh green salad will perfectly complement this dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

- Sides: Baked potatoes are ideal, but you can also try mashed potatoes or rice with vegetables.
- Variations: If you are vegetarian, you can replace the meat with stuffed mushrooms or a mix of grilled vegetables.
- A splash of citrus: Add a little lemon or lime juice to the sauce for a refreshing twist.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheese-stuffed pockets are rich in protein due to the pork and cheese, while the herbs provide antioxidants. Moderate consumption of capers can offer cardiovascular benefits due to their flavonoid content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will vary.

- How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a little chili or chopped hot pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

- Can I prepare the pockets in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, fry and cook them in the sauce according to the instructions.

Personal Note

This cheese-stuffed pocket recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a family memory. I remember how my mother would make them on festive days, and the aroma in the kitchen would gather us all around the table. I hope that you, too, will create special moments with your loved ones with these delightful pockets.

Enjoy your meal!