Latvian Smoked Pork and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables
A robust and comforting stew featuring tender chunks of smoked pork, hearty barley, and a medley of root vegetables. This dish is a staple in Latvian cuisine, known for its deep, savory flavors and warming qualities, perfect for colder months.
๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Smoked pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 150 g Pearl barley, rinsed
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 2 Large onions, chopped
- 3 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium Parsnips, peeled and diced
- 1 small Celery root (celeriac), peeled and diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Dried marjoram
- 1.5 liters Beef or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a handful Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- to taste Sour cream (for serving, optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed smoked pork and brown it on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Browning the pork adds depth of flavor to the stew. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sautรฉ until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced carrots, parsnips, and celery root, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
๐ก Tip: Sweating the vegetables before adding liquid helps to develop their sweetness. - 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed pearl barley, bay leaves, and dried marjoram. Stir to combine.
๐ก Tip: Toasting the barley slightly can enhance its nutty flavor. - 4
Return the browned smoked pork to the pot. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Bring the stew to a boil.
๐ก Tip: Use a good quality broth for the best flavor base. - 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the barley is fully cooked and has softened.
๐ก Tip: Simmering slowly allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become very tender. - 6
Remove the bay leaves. Season the stew generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken.
๐ก Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Smoked pork can be salty, so season carefully. - 7
Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped dill and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
๐ก Tip: This stew is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can use a smoked pork hock and simmer it in the broth for the first hour, then remove, shred the meat, and return it to the stew.
- โIf you don't have celery root, you can omit it or use extra celery stalks.
- โOther root vegetables like potatoes or turnips can also be added.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of Latvian dark rye beer (tumลกais alus) to the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a heartier version, add diced potatoes during the last 45 minutes of cooking.
- A tablespoon of caraway seeds can be added with the barley for a traditional Latvian flavor.