Mulgikapsad (Pork and Barley Stew)
A hearty and traditional Estonian stew made with sauerkraut, pork, and pearl barley, often slow-cooked to tender perfection. This dish is a staple in Estonian homes, known for its comforting and robust flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Sauerkraut(Squeezed dry)
- 1.5 kg Pork belly or shoulder(Cut into large pieces)
- 150 g Pearl barley(Soaked overnight)
- 1 L Water or broth(Or as needed to cover ingredients)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar(Optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp Cumin seeds(Optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the pearl barley in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before use.
- 2
Squeeze the sauerkraut dry to remove excess acidity. This is important for the final flavor.
- 3
In a thick-bottomed cooking pot, layer half of the sauerkraut. Place the pork pieces on top of the sauerkraut.
- 4
Cover the pork with the remaining sauerkraut. You can lightly sprinkle sugar and salt between the layers, or add salt later as sauerkraut is already salty.
- 5
Add water or broth to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- 6
Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 3 hours, or until the pork is very tender and the barley is cooked through. Add more liquid if it becomes too dry during cooking.
- 7
Once cooked, remove the pork pieces from the stew. You can shred or chop them before returning to the pot or serve them separately.
- 8
Stir the sauerkraut and barley mixture. If desired, stir in cumin seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.
- 9
Serve the Mulgikapsad hot, traditionally with boiled potatoes. The stew often tastes even better the next day.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use pork with rind.
- ✓If you don't have pork belly or shoulder, other fatty cuts of pork can be used.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sauerkraut to your preference for tanginess.
- ✓This dish benefits from slow cooking, so be patient for the best results.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include carrots or onions sautéed and added to the stew.
- Smoked pork can be used for an extra layer of flavor.
- A small amount of caraway seeds can be added for a traditional aroma.