Măcinătură muntenească

Delicious Recipe for Meat and Sausage Tochitura

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of gastronomy! Today, I will guide you step by step to prepare a traditional recipe, full of flavor, that will delight both family and friends: tochitura with meat and sausages. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with aromas that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Let's get started!

A Brief History of Tochitura

Tochitura is a staple dish in many kitchens, often associated with festive meals or special occasions. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but the essence remains the same: slowly cooked meat, full of flavor, combined with simple ingredients that perfectly complement it. From aromatic sausages to garlic, each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a comforting and nourishing dish.

Necessary Ingredients

- 300 g pork shoulder (choose meat with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 2 sausages (preferably smoked, for added flavor)
- 2 large onions (onion is key for a delicious sauce)
- 50 ml oil (olive oil is an excellent option)
- 2 bay leaves (for a subtle aroma)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 200 ml white or red wine (wine adds depth of flavor)
- 100 ml water (helps cook the meat)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (preferably for a more intense flavor)
- 3 cloves of garlic (for added flavor)
- Telemea cheese (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cutting the pork into cubes of about 3-4 cm. Make sure you have a sharp knife to make this task easier. Then, cut the sausages into thick rounds so that they maintain their shape during cooking.

2. Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial, as caramelized onion will add depth and sweetness to the dish.

3. Add the Meat
Once the onion is ready, add the meat cubes. Stir well so that the meat is coated in oil and browns evenly. Let the meat simmer for about 10 minutes until it changes color.

4. Incorporate the Sausages
After the meat is browned, add the sausage rounds. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.

5. Add the Wine and Spices
Once the sausages start to release their aroma, add the wine and 100 ml of water, along with the bay leaves. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. If necessary, you can add more water or wine to maintain the sauce at the desired level.

6. Season and Finish
After 45 minutes, taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Add the 3 tablespoons of diluted tomato paste and the sliced garlic cloves. Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes so that the flavors meld perfectly.

7. Prepare the Polenta
To complement this dish, I recommend preparing a portion of polenta. Boil water with salt, then gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the polenta becomes firm and creamy.

8. Serving
Serve the tochitura hot, alongside the polenta and, optionally, a fried egg. If desired, you can grate some telemea cheese on top for an even more intense flavor.

Suggestions and Variations

- You can also add other vegetables during preparation, such as carrots or bell peppers, to diversify the textures and flavors.
- Replace the pork shoulder with beef for a different taste.
- Experiment with different types of sausages (e.g., homemade sausages or spicy sausages) to adjust the intensity of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This tochitura is an excellent source of protein due to the meat and sausages. Onion and garlic contribute antioxidants and beneficial compounds for health, while polenta provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so be sure not to overcook the chicken.

- What wine should I choose?
White wine offers a lighter note, while red wine brings depth and warmth to the dish.

- How can I make the tochitura spicier?
Add hot peppers or spicy seasonings during cooking.

I hope this recipe for tochitura with meat and sausages inspires you to spend time in the kitchen, exploring the delicious flavors of this classic dish. Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!