Maneštra od Kiselog Kupusa
Sauerkraut and Smoked Pork Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew from the Istrian region, featuring sauerkraut, smoked pork, beans, and root vegetables. It's a comforting dish perfect for colder weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Sauerkraut(rinsed if too sour)
- 500 g Smoked pork belly or ribs
- 200 g Dried white beans(soaked overnight)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Parsnip(diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 Bay leaf
- 1.5 l Vegetable or pork broth
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the diced carrots and parsnip, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the rinsed sauerkraut, soaked and drained beans, smoked pork, bay leaves, and broth to the pot.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the beans are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Remove the smoked pork, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot. Discard bay leaves.
- 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- 8
Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the sauerkraut can reduce its acidity if you prefer a milder flavor.
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking.
- ✓Using a good quality smoked pork will significantly enhance the flavor.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like celery root or potatoes.
- Include a smoked sausage like kulen for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked pork and use vegetable broth, adding more umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms or nutritional yeast.