Food with pickled cucumbers

Food with pickled cucumbers: A savory and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Pickled cucumbers, with their unmistakable flavor, have a rich history in our cuisine, often used in savory dishes that add extra taste and texture. This recipe for food with pickled cucumbers is perfect for cool days when we crave something warm and hearty. It is a delicious combination of vegetables, meat, and spices that blend harmoniously to create a comforting dish.

Ingredients:

- 300 g pickled cucumbers (in brine)
- 450 g pork (cut into pieces of about 5 cm)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 5 large tomatoes
- 2 red bell peppers
- 200 ml tomato sauce (or puree)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (or garlic powder, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or sweet/spicy paprika, to taste)
- 1 chicken stock cube (or Delikat, Vegeta, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the vegetables well. Chop the onion finely, and you can cut the carrots and bell peppers into small cubes or slices, according to preference. The tomatoes can be chopped finely or crushed, depending on the desired texture. The pickled cucumbers are sliced thinly.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, add a little oil and sauté the onion and carrot. Add half of your preferred spices (thyme, cayenne pepper) and the chopped greens (parsley and dill). Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Adding the meat: Once the onion is sautéed, add the pieces of pork. Let them brown well on both sides, about 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

4. Boiling the ingredients: Once the meat is browned, add enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot. Let them simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This time will allow the meat to become tender and reveal its flavors.

5. Adding the vegetables and pickled cucumbers: After the meat has started to boil, add the sliced bell pepper and pickled cucumber slices. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to combine.

6. Preparing the sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce (or puree). To thicken the sauce, prepare a roux: mix the 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water until it becomes a smooth paste, then add this mixture to the pot. This will add a creamy texture and bind all the ingredients together.

7. Seasoning: Season with black pepper, garlic (powder or fresh, depending on preference), and add a little more dried thyme. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here you can adjust the taste to your preferences, adding salt or spices as desired.

8. Serving: Finally, add the remaining chopped greens and mix well. The dish is ready to be served! It is delicious both warm and at room temperature. It can be accompanied by mashed potatoes, fluffy polenta, or even a fresh vegetable salad.

Useful tips:

- Meat varieties: This recipe can also be adapted with poultry (turkey, chicken), but pork adds a special flavor. If you want a lighter option, opt for chicken breast, which cooks faster.
- Pickled cucumbers: Use homemade pickled cucumbers for an authentic taste. If you don’t have them, you can use store-bought pickled cucumbers, but make sure they are of high quality.
- Culinary indulgence: You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream at serving for an extra creaminess.
- Storing leftovers: The dish can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavor intensifies as it cools.

Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in protein due to the pork and vegetables, providing a good supply of vitamins and fiber. Pickled cucumbers, besides their delicious taste, aid digestion and are a source of probiotics.

Estimated calories: A serving of food with pickled cucumbers has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used.

Ideal pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer. Additionally, a slice of freshly baked homemade bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms, and you can omit the stock cube or replace it with a vegetable stock.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can add zucchini, eggplant, or potatoes, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I enhance the flavors?
You can experiment with fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add a different note.

In conclusion, this recipe for food with pickled cucumbers is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a way to bring a touch of nostalgia to every meal. I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!