Serbian Pork and Bean Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender chunks of pork, creamy white beans, and the distinctive smoky aroma of paprika, a comforting dish perfect for cooler weather.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 2 cans (400g each) Canned cannellini beans(drained and rinsed)
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the pork in batches, then remove and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned pork to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
- 6
Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken.
- 7
Remove the bay leaves. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the pork in a mixture of paprika, salt, and pepper overnight.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
- ✓If the stew is too thin, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced carrots and celery along with the onions for extra vegetables.
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of crusty bread.