Pear and meat dish is a traditional recipe from the heart of Transylvania, little known but with a taste that will remind you of hearty meals at home, where the aroma and warmth of the kitchen intertwine with the family story. This recipe was rediscovered by Radu Anton Roman, a great lover of culinary traditions, and revives memories of old recipes that bring together sweet and savory in an unforgettable combination.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork (or chicken, or beef, depending on your preferences)
- 2 kg late autumn pears, firm, such as quince pears
- 2 tablespoons lard (or oil, if you prefer a lighter version)
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- 2-3 large red onions
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika (to taste)
Preparation of the pear and meat dish
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the onion. Slice it thinly so it cooks evenly. If using pork, choose a piece with a bit of fat for a juicy stew. Cut the meat into large pieces, about 3-4 cm, for good browning.
2. Sautéing the onions:
In a large skillet or deep pot, add the lard and put it over medium heat. When the lard has melted, add the sliced onion. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and golden. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Browning the meat:
Add the cut meat to the skillet along with the onion. Brown the meat on all sides for about 10-15 minutes. This step will add a deep flavor to the dish.
4. Deglazing with wine:
Once the meat is browned, pour the glass of dry white wine over the meat. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol and leave only its delicious aroma.
5. Adding water and spices:
After the wine has evaporated, add water to the skillet until the meat is half covered. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful.
6. Preparing the pears:
While the meat is simmering, peel the pears, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. In another skillet, add a little lard, and when it’s hot, add the pears to fry. Fry them for 5-10 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears.
7. Finalizing the dish:
After the meat has simmered for 30 minutes, add the fried pears to the skillet. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, then cover again and let it simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes. The sweet-sour taste of the pears will perfectly blend into the meat sauce.
8. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, you can serve it hot, alongside a side of polenta or rice, which will deliciously complement this main course. You can sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for an attractive look.
Chef's tip:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or bay leaf during cooking. Also, if you like a sweeter taste, you can add a tablespoon of sugar over the pears while frying.
Nutritional information:
This dish is rich in protein due to the meat, while the pears add a note of vitamins and antioxidants. A serving contains approximately 450 calories, depending on the type of meat used. It is an excellent choice for a family meal, offering both nutrients and satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or beef, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure the meat is well cooked.
- How can I store the dish?
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on low heat to retain its juiciness.
- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with apples or peaches for an interesting variation.
Delicious pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine, which will enhance the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve a fresh green salad alongside to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast.
A personal note:
I remember the moments spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where every ingredient was carefully chosen, and the food was made with love. This recipe makes me relive those moments, and I want to share it with you to bring a bit of that warmth into your homes.
In conclusion, the pear and meat dish is a perfect choice for a comforting dinner, full of flavors and memories. Try it and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 kg pork (or chicken, or beef, depending on your preferences)
- 2 kg late autumn pears, firm, such as quince pears
- 2 tablespoons lard (or oil, if you prefer a lighter version)
- 1 glass of dry white wine
- 2-3 large red onions
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika (to taste)
Preparation of the pear and meat dish
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the onion. Slice it thinly so it cooks evenly. If using pork, choose a piece with a bit of fat for a juicy stew. Cut the meat into large pieces, about 3-4 cm, for good browning.
2. Sautéing the onions:
In a large skillet or deep pot, add the lard and put it over medium heat. When the lard has melted, add the sliced onion. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and golden. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Browning the meat:
Add the cut meat to the skillet along with the onion. Brown the meat on all sides for about 10-15 minutes. This step will add a deep flavor to the dish.
4. Deglazing with wine:
Once the meat is browned, pour the glass of dry white wine over the meat. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol and leave only its delicious aroma.
5. Adding water and spices:
After the wine has evaporated, add water to the skillet until the meat is half covered. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful.
6. Preparing the pears:
While the meat is simmering, peel the pears, cut them into quarters, and remove the cores. In another skillet, add a little lard, and when it’s hot, add the pears to fry. Fry them for 5-10 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step will enhance the natural sweetness of the pears.
7. Finalizing the dish:
After the meat has simmered for 30 minutes, add the fried pears to the skillet. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, then cover again and let it simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes. The sweet-sour taste of the pears will perfectly blend into the meat sauce.
8. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, you can serve it hot, alongside a side of polenta or rice, which will deliciously complement this main course. You can sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for an attractive look.
Chef's tip:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or bay leaf during cooking. Also, if you like a sweeter taste, you can add a tablespoon of sugar over the pears while frying.
Nutritional information:
This dish is rich in protein due to the meat, while the pears add a note of vitamins and antioxidants. A serving contains approximately 450 calories, depending on the type of meat used. It is an excellent choice for a family meal, offering both nutrients and satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or beef, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure the meat is well cooked.
- How can I store the dish?
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on low heat to retain its juiciness.
- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with apples or peaches for an interesting variation.
Delicious pairings:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine, which will enhance the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve a fresh green salad alongside to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast.
A personal note:
I remember the moments spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where every ingredient was carefully chosen, and the food was made with love. This recipe makes me relive those moments, and I want to share it with you to bring a bit of that warmth into your homes.
In conclusion, the pear and meat dish is a perfect choice for a comforting dinner, full of flavors and memories. Try it and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience!