Slovak Pork and Sauerkraut Stew
Segedínsky Guláš
A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender pork with tangy sauerkraut, enriched with paprika and cream. While originating from Hungary, this version is a beloved staple in Slovak cuisine, often served with bread dumplings or potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.3 lb Pork shoulder or stew meat(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Lard or cooking oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2.2 lb Sauerkraut(coarsely chopped)
- 4 cups Beef broth or water
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the lard or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Slowly cooking the onions brings out their sweetness. - 2
Add the pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the paprika.
- 3
Pour in the beef broth or water, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
💡 Tip: For pork shoulder, a longer cooking time ensures maximum tenderness. - 4
Add the coarsely chopped sauerkraut to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the sauerkraut is tender.
- 5
Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but do not boil after adding the cream.
- 6
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot, traditionally with bread dumplings (knedle), boiled potatoes, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sauerkraut to your preference for tanginess.
- ✓If the stew is too thin, you can thicken it slightly by mashing some of the potatoes or by making a slurry of flour and water.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of tomato paste for added depth of flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth, and consider adding hearty root vegetables like parsnips or celeriac.