Belarusian Pork and Sauerkraut Stew
Zhuraviny
A comforting and deeply flavorful stew featuring tender pork shoulder simmered with tangy sauerkraut, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic caraway seeds. This dish, often called 'Zhuraviny' (cranberries, though not always an ingredient), embodies the rustic heartiness of Belarusian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 30 g Dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1 kg Sauerkraut, drained and roughly chopped
- 500 ml Pork broth or water
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- a handful Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- optional Sour cream (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches until golden brown on all sides. Remove the pork and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the pork in batches prevents overcrowding the pot, ensuring a good sear. - 2
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped rehydrated porcini mushrooms, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Soaking dried mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes before chopping helps rehydrate them and releases their earthy flavor. - 3
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the drained and chopped sauerkraut, pork broth (or water), caraway seeds, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid mostly covers the ingredients; add more broth or water if necessary. - 4
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: Slow simmering is key to tenderizing the pork and allowing the flavors to meld. - 5
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too liquidy, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
💡 Tip: The sauerkraut's natural acidity will balance the richness of the pork. - 6
Serve the Belarusian Pork and Sauerkraut Stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped dill. A dollop of sour cream is a traditional accompaniment.
💡 Tip: This stew is excellent served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even traditional Belarusian pancakes (bliny).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic and mushrooms.
- ✓If you don't have porcini mushrooms, other dried wild mushrooms can be used, or even fresh mushrooms sautéed until browned.
- ✓The stew can be made a day in advance, as the flavors often improve overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few juniper berries along with the bay leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Some recipes include a small amount of diced apple or a tablespoon of honey to add a subtle sweetness that complements the sauerkraut.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.