Bulgarian Pork and Sauerkraut Stew
Svinsko s Kiselo Zele
A hearty and comforting Bulgarian stew featuring tender pork simmered with tangy sauerkraut, aromatic paprika, and bay leaves. This dish is a staple during colder months, showcasing the country's love for savory, slow-cooked meals.
๐ง Ingredients
- 800 g Pork shoulder or pork belly(cut into 2.5 cm cubes)
- 800 g Sauerkraut(drained and roughly chopped)
- 1 large Yellow onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Sweet red paprika
- 3 Bay leaves
- 6 Black peppercorns
- 0.5 cup Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or bacon fat
- 1 cup Water or sauerkraut brine(as needed)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat oil or bacon fat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add the cubed pork to the pot. Brown the pork on all sides, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the sweet red paprika and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 4
Add the drained and chopped sauerkraut, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Stir everything together well. If the mixture seems dry, add about 1 cup of water or reserved sauerkraut brine.
- 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally, adding more liquid if it becomes too dry.
๐ก Tip: For a deeper flavor, you can simmer for up to 1.5 hours. - 6
Once the pork is tender and the flavors have melded, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (though salt is usually not needed).
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped dill. This stew is excellent served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
๐ก Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โUsing bacon fat adds an extra layer of flavor.
- โEnsure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid an overly liquid stew.
- โAdjust the amount of paprika to your preference.
- โThis dish benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a smoked sausage (like kielbasa) along with the pork for added flavor.
- Include diced carrots or a leek for extra vegetables.
- For a richer taste, a small amount of tomato paste can be added with the paprika.