Serbian Pork and Sauerkraut Stew with Prunes (Svinjetina sa Kiselim Kupusom i Suvim Šljivama)
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender pieces of pork, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet prunes, slow-cooked to perfection. This dish embodies the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Serbian cuisine, often prepared during colder months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 1 kg Sauerkraut(rinsed and roughly chopped)
- 200 g Prunes(pitted)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Pork broth or water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides in batches, then remove and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 3
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the rinsed and chopped sauerkraut and the pitted prunes.
- 5
Pour in the pork broth or water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Start with less salt, as sauerkraut can be salty. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: The stew should be thick but not dry. Add a little more broth or water if needed. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew is even better the next day.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a piece of smoked pork belly or bacon when browning the pork.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
🔄 Variations
- Add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
- Include a diced apple for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.