Krambambula Pork Stew
A hearty and flavorful Belarusian stew featuring tender pork simmered in a rich sauce infused with Krambambula liqueur, root vegetables, and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.2 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium Parsnips(peeled and sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 150 ml Krambambula liqueur
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 Allspice berries
- 5 Juniper berries(lightly crushed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- for garnish Fresh dill(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened and lightly browned, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the sliced carrots and parsnips to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 7
Pour in the Krambambula liqueur and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.
- 8
Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, allspice berries, and juniper berries. The liquid should almost cover the meat; add more broth or water if needed.
- 9
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
- 10
Remove the bay leaves and allspice/juniper berries before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- 11
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped dill.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the vegetables before adding the liquid to thicken the stew.
- ✓If Krambambula liqueur is unavailable, a spiced rum or brandy can be substituted, though the flavor profile will differ.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld further.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes along with the other root vegetables for a more substantial stew.
- Include a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.