Pickled green tomatoes and pork

Pickled Green Tomato Dish with Pork - A Delicious and Hearty Recipe for Home

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of flavors and traditional recipes! Today, we will focus on a dish that perfectly combines the rich taste of pork with the sweetness and acidity of pickled green tomatoes. This recipe comes with childhood memories, with aromas that invite us and make us feel at home. Let's get started!

The History of Pickled Green Tomato Dish

Pickled green tomatoes have a long history in traditional cuisine, being a staple ingredient in many dishes. These vegetables are typically prepared during the preservation season when tomatoes and peppers are in full bloom. In many cultures, pickled green tomatoes are used both as a side dish and as a main ingredient in various dishes. Today, we will explore a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines pickled green tomatoes with pork, a true feast for the taste buds.

Ingredients

- 600 g pickled green tomatoes
- 600 g pork (choose meat with a little fat for a rich taste)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large onion
- 7-8 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 3 tablespoons oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper

Useful Tip about Ingredients

Make sure the pickled green tomatoes are well-preserved, without signs of excessive fermentation, which could alter their taste. The pork can be chosen according to your preferences: leg, shoulder, or neck. These types of meat will cook well and provide an intense flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Green Tomatoes: Start by slicing the pickled green tomatoes into suitable pieces. They will absorb the flavors from the dish, so it is important to cut them evenly. Place them in a bowl of cold water and let them soak overnight. This step will help reduce the saltiness of the tomatoes.

2. Draining the Green Tomatoes: The next day, drain the pickled green tomatoes well and rinse them under cold running water to remove any excess salt. This process will make the dish more balanced in taste.

3. Preparing the Meat: Cut the pork into cubes of about 2-3 cm. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the meat. Sauté it until it changes color, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for the meat to become juicy and full of flavor.

4. Adding the Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the finely chopped onion and sliced carrot. Cook everything for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

5. Including the Green Tomatoes and Spices: Now it's time to add the pickled green tomatoes, thyme, and a little water (about 200 ml) to help with cooking. Let everything simmer for 20 minutes over low heat.

6. Finishing the Dish: After 20 minutes, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and pepper paste. These ingredients will add extra flavor and vibrant color to your dish. Boil everything for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens, and the meat is tender.

7. Oven Cooking (Optional): If you don't want to stay by the stove, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and place it in the oven at 180°C for about 30-40 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

8. Adding the Dill: A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped dill. This will add a fresh and fragrant aroma to the dish.

Serving

This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a serving of warm polenta, which will absorb all the rich flavors from the sauce. You can also add some slices of fresh bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Possible Variations

For a healthier version, you can replace the pork with chicken or turkey. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to enrich the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pickles? Yes, you can experiment with other pickles, such as cucumbers or sauerkraut, but the final taste will be different.

2. How can I store the dish? It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the oven.

3. Is this dish suitable for a diet? This dish contains protein from meat and vegetables, but it is best to consume it in moderation, especially if you are monitoring your caloric intake.

Nutritional Benefits

The pickled green tomato dish with pork is rich in protein, vitamins A and C, as well as fiber due to the vegetables. Pickled green tomatoes also have probiotic properties, which contribute to digestive health.

Personal Note

This recipe reminds me of family meals from my childhood when my grandmother cooked with love and patience. I would love to hear your stories related to this recipe. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and that you will savor every bite of this traditional dish. Enjoy your meal!