Pork stew and pickled cucumbers

Pork Stew with Pickled Cucumbers – An Authentic Delicacy

I invite you to discover together a delicious recipe that brings together rustic flavors and childhood joys: pork stew with pickled cucumbers. This dish is more than just a simple recipe; it is a story of culinary tradition, a perfect combination of succulent pork and crunchy pickled cucumbers that provide a contrast of textures and flavors on the plate. Whether you prepare it for a weekend meal or a special occasion, this stew will surely impress everyone who tastes it.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of lean pork (preferably shoulder or leg)
- 9 pickled cucumbers in brine
- 1 medium carrot
- 12 small onions or 6 large ones
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 400 g of peeled and diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish

Preparing the pork stew with pickled cucumbers
1. Washing and preparing the meat - Start by washing the pork well in several waters to remove the blood. This step is essential for obtaining cleaner and tastier meat. After washing, cut the meat into cubes of about 3-4 cm. This size allows for even cooking.

2. Searing the meat - Heat the oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the cut meat and cover the pot with a lid. Searing the meat over low heat helps retain the juices, giving it a juicy texture. You will know it is ready when the meat turns whitish.

3. Adding the vegetables - Peel and slice the onion into rings and the carrot into rounds. Add them to the meat and let them sauté together for a few minutes over low heat. This step will enhance the flavors.

4. Boiling the preparation - Pour warm water into the pot, enough to cover the meat, and add the diced red bell pepper. Cover the pot again and let it simmer over medium heat. The meat will become tender and full of flavor.

5. Preparing the cucumbers - Meanwhile, slice the pickled cucumbers into rounds and let them drain. They will add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast to the stew.

6. Finalizing the preparation - After about 40 minutes of boiling, add the diced tomatoes and cucumber rounds. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for 15 minutes over low heat. It is important for the cucumbers to remain slightly crunchy, so do not let them boil too long.

7. Seasoning - Before turning off the heat, add salt and pepper to taste. If you like spicier dishes, you can add some pepper, but if your cucumbers are spicy, it is better to avoid this seasoning.

8. Serving - Serve the stew hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh dill. This will add a note of freshness and a pleasant aroma to your dish.

Useful tips:
- Choose the right meat: Opt for lean pork, which cooks more evenly and has less fat.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, to add variety to the flavor.
- Pickled cucumbers: Make sure to use quality pickled cucumbers, preferably from a trusted source, for an authentic taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This pork stew is rich in protein due to the meat, while the pickled cucumbers provide beneficial probiotics for digestion. Additionally, the vegetables used in the recipe are full of essential vitamins and minerals.

Estimated calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the proportions of the ingredients and the serving method.

Possible variations:
- Vegetarian stew: Replace the pork with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add spices: You can experiment with different spices, such as paprika or cumin, to give the stew a different flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use beef instead of pork?
Yes, but the cooking time will be different; beef requires more time to become tender.

2. How can I store the stew?
It keeps well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can reheat it over low heat or in the oven.

3. What side dish goes well with it?
This stew pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or polenta.

This recipe for pork stew with pickled cucumbers is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will bring you joy and beautiful memories. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!