Krambambula Pork Stew
A rich and hearty pork stew, Krambambula Pork Stew is a flavorful dish that draws its name from the traditional Belarusian spiced honey liqueur. This stew typically features tender pieces of pork, often with bacon or sausage, simmered in a savory sauce with onions and sometimes mushrooms, creating a deep, complex flavor profile. It's traditionally served with buckwheat pancakes or other flatbreads, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 150 g Bacon(diced)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 250 ml Rye beer(or dark beer)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp total Spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black pepper)(ground, to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot, as this will steam the meat instead of browning it. - 2
Add the diced bacon to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Set the bacon aside for garnish.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.
- 6
Gradually whisk in the beef broth and rye beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure all browned bits are scraped from the bottom for maximum flavor. - 7
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the honey and spices. Season with salt. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Adjust spices to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. - 8
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the pork is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, stir in the reserved crispy bacon just before serving.
💡 Tip: The stew can be made ahead of time and reheated; the flavors often meld and improve overnight. - 10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill. Traditionally served with buckwheat pancakes (blini) or rye bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in rye beer and spices overnight before cooking.
- ✓If you don't have rye beer, a dark stout or porter can be substituted.
- ✓Consider adding sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add root vegetables like carrots and parsnips during the last hour of cooking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced chili pepper.