Potato stew with pork and dill

Potato stew with pork and dill

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to culinary comfort, nothing compares to a warm and flavorful stew, filled with simple yet tasty ingredients. The potato stew with pork and dill is one of those recipes that evokes childhood memories, when family meals were filled with lovingly prepared delights. This recipe is not only nourishing but also easy to prepare, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends.

Necessary ingredients:
- 10 medium potatoes (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 large onions
- Leaves from 4 green onions (for extra flavor)
- 200 ml tomato juice (or passata)
- 300 g pork (shoulder or leg, cut into small pieces)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (for unmistakable flavor)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into large cubes, about 3-4 cm. This will ensure they cook evenly and do not fall apart during cooking. Chop the onions finely, and also chop the green onion leaves, keeping them aside to add at the end.

2. Heating the oil: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. A useful trick is to test the oil temperature by adding a small piece of meat; if it sizzles, it's time to add the meat.

3. Cooking the meat: Add the cut pork to the pot and sprinkle a little salt before you start frying it. Cook the meat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned. The flavors will concentrate and provide a special taste to the stew.

4. Adding the onion: Once the meat is beautifully browned, add the finely chopped onion (both the dry onion and the green onion leaves). Let them sweat together for about 10 minutes. The onion will add a natural sweetness to the dish and enrich the flavors.

5. Potatoes: Now is the perfect time to add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Mix them well with the meat and onion, then cover everything with water (about 1-1.5 liters). Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are well cooked.

6. Adding the tomato juice: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the tomato juice (or passata) and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. This step adds a note of acidity, balancing the rich taste of the meat and potatoes.

7. Finalizing the dish: Adjust the salt to taste, stirring well to distribute the flavors evenly. Finally, add the chopped fresh dill, which will give a fresh aroma and vibrant color to the stew.

8. Serving: Serve the stew hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad can be a perfect accompaniment, bringing a fresh contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, depending on your preferences.
- If you like a stronger flavor, you can add spices like paprika or a pinch of cumin.
- Dill can be replaced with parsley or basil for a different variation.

Nutritional benefits:
The potato stew with pork is a hearty meal, rich in carbohydrates from the potatoes and protein from the meat. Dill adds essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving (about 250 g) can contain approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes will provide a sweet note and a different texture.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, the stew freezes well. You can portion it out and store it in airtight containers.
- What can I pair the stew with? A light red wine, a pale ale, or fresh lemonade are excellent options to accompany this dish.

The experience of cooking this potato stew with pork and dill is definitely a satisfying one. Besides being a simple and delicious recipe, it is also a wonderful way to bring the family together at the table. Enjoy every bite and let the pleasant memories created by each meal carry you away!