Transylvanian stew

Transylvanian Tochitura: A Traditional Delicacy from the Heart of Romania

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the wonderful world of traditional Romanian cooking! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for tochitura ardelenească, a dish that carries not only delicious flavors but also stories from bygone times. This recipe is perfect for family meals or to impress friends. It is a hearty dish with a wealth of textures and flavors that harmoniously blend to create a culinary feast.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g pork (preferably neck, but you can also use other types of meat)
- 250 g chicken breast
- 1 small glass of red wine (a dry wine is ideal)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Spices: salt, pepper, sweet paprika
- 200 g cornmeal (for polenta)
- 4 eggs (for fried eggs)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)
- Olive oil for cooking
- Water (enough to cover the meat)

Preparing the Tochitura:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the pork into cubes. Pork neck is an excellent choice as it contains some fat, adding juiciness and flavor to the dish. You can also add chicken breast to diversify the textures.

2. Heating the oil: In a large pan or cauldron, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil not only adds a pleasant flavor but is also a healthier option than sunflower oil.

3. Cooking the meat: When the oil is hot, add the meat cubes and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to brown evenly.

4. Adding the wine: Once the meat has a nice color, pour the glass of red wine into the pan. Let it boil for a few minutes for the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.

5. Enriching the dish: Add the diced bell pepper, then add enough water to cover the meat. At this point, also add the tablespoon of tomato paste, which will provide an intense flavor and vibrant color. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste.

6. Boiling: Cover the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. The meat will become tender and the flavors will penetrate deeply.

7. Preparing the polenta: In another pot, bring water with a little salt to a boil. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the polenta for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes creamy.

8. Preparing the eggs: In the last minutes of cooking, you can prepare the fried eggs. In a separate pan, add a little oil and fry the eggs, seasoning them with salt and pepper.

9. Serving: On each plate, place a layer of polenta, then add the tochitura. Carefully place a fried egg on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan, which will melt slightly due to the heat.

Serving suggestions: Tochitura ardelenească pairs perfectly with assorted pickles or a beet salad with mayonnaise, adding a fresh note and vibrant color to the meal. Don't forget to serve a glass of red wine alongside this dish!

Nutritional information: This recipe is rich in protein due to the pork and eggs, providing a good source of iron and vitamins from the vegetables. The cornmeal polenta is an excellent source of carbohydrates, being a traditional accompaniment that perfectly complements this hearty dish.

Possible variations: If you want to experiment, you can add mushrooms or a few slices of smoked sausage to the stew for an extra flavor boost. You can also replace the red wine with white wine for a lighter flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can also try beef or lamb for a different version of the recipe.
- How can I make the polenta creamier? Add a little butter or cheese to the polenta to give it a richer texture.
- What type of wine should I use? Choose a dry red wine, but you can also use a sweet wine if you prefer a more intense flavor.

I hope this recipe for tochitura ardelenească brings you not only the satisfaction of a delicious dish but also the joy of sharing beautiful moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!