Cypriot Pork, Zucchini, and Potato Yahni
A comforting and flavorful Cypriot stew featuring tender pork, zucchini, and potatoes simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. 'Yahni' refers to a slow-cooked stew, often with a browned onion base, tomatoes, and olive oil, making vegetables the star of the meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Pork shoulder, cut into 2-3 cm cubes
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Medium zucchini, cut into chunks
- 3 Medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup Tomato sauce (preferably from fresh tomatoes)
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
💡 Tip: Sweating the onions first builds a good flavor base. - 2
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic. - 3
Add the pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat in batches can help achieve a better sear. - 4
Add the zucchini and potato chunks to the pot. Stir to coat them with the oil and pork drippings.
💡 Tip: Ensure all vegetables are cut into roughly similar sizes for even cooking. - 5
Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Use good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the pork and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender meat and vegetables. - 7
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Adding fresh herbs at the end preserves their vibrant flavor. - 8
Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This dish is excellent served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can marinate the pork in a little red wine, cumin, and olive oil overnight.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more water.
- ✓This dish can also be made with lamb or chicken.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese.