Pork with sauce and polenta

Delicious Pork Recipe with Sauce and Polenta

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I invite you to prepare a classic yet flavorful recipe with me: pork with sauce and polenta. This combination is not only comforting but also extremely satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal.

A bit about the history of the recipe

Pork with sauce is a recipe that has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with moments of conviviality and joy. Polenta, a staple food in many cultures, perfectly complements this dish, bringing a pleasant contrast between the soft texture of the sauce and the consistency of the polenta. This recipe is not only simple but also rich in history, symbolizing the traditional meal that gathers the family around the table.

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g lean pork (ideally choose quality pork with a lower fat content for a healthier dish)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (a quality tomato paste will add an intense flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic (fresh is always better, and garlic adds an unmistakable aroma)
- Spices for pork (you can use a combination of salt, sweet paprika, thyme, and marjoram)
- Pepper (black, freshly ground, for a more intense taste)
- Oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil for a light aroma)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork well under cold running water. After rinsing, dry it with a paper towel to remove excess water. Cut the meat into cubes of about 3-4 cm. This step is essential to ensure even cooking.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the meat cubes in a pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Put the pot on medium heat and let the meat boil. It is important to add water from time to time, ensuring that the meat remains covered. Boil for about 30-35 minutes until the meat becomes soft and tender.

3. Removing the meat: After the meat is boiled, take it out of the water and set it aside. Keep the meat broth, as you will use it later to prepare the sauce.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic cloves and sauté them until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

5. Adding the meat: Once the garlic is sautéed, add the meat cubes to the skillet and sauté them with the garlic for 5-7 minutes until they are lightly browned. This step will intensify the flavors of the dish.

6. Preparing the sauce: Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste over the meat and mix well. Cover with the reserved meat broth, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken.

7. Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add your preferred spices, such as salt, pepper, and other herbs. Personally, I like to add a pinch of sweet paprika for a slightly smoky note.

8. Preparing the polenta: In another pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. When the water reaches boiling point, gradually add 250 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes creamy and thick.

9. Serving the dish: To serve, place a generous portion of polenta on a plate and top it with the pork sauce. A garnish of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top will add a touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh summer salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, as well as with a dry red wine, which will beautifully complement the intense flavors of the meat.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe also works well with beef or chicken, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of meat chosen.

- How can I store the sauce for later use? The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Although the original recipe is meat-based, you can replace the pork with mushrooms or vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits:

Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals, while polenta, being rich in carbohydrates, provides long-lasting energy. Garlic, on the other hand, is known for its antioxidant properties and benefits for the immune system.

In conclusion, this pork with sauce and polenta recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring the family together around the table. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of preparing this delicious recipe. Bon appétit!