RecipesBulgariaKavarma Stew

Kavarma Stew

A hearty and flavorful Bulgarian stew, typically made with pork or chicken, vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and seasoned with traditional spices.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Kavarma Stew - Bulgaria traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
  • 2 large Onions(chopped)
  • 2 large Bell peppers(mixed colors, chopped)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
  • 2 medium Carrots(diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 200 ml Red wine
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp Paprika(sweet)
  • 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the diced carrots, tomato paste, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

  5. 5

    Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  6. 6

    Return the browned pork to the pot. Add chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

  7. 7

    Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally.

  8. 8

    Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a richer flavor, you can marinate the pork in red wine and spices overnight.
  • If the stew becomes too thick, add a little water or broth.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

🔄 Variations

  • Use chicken thighs instead of pork for a lighter version.
  • Add mushrooms or potatoes for extra heartiness.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

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