Svinjski Grah s Kislim Zeljem
A hearty and rustic Slovenian dish featuring tender pork, savory beans, and tangy sauerkraut, slow-cooked to perfection.
๐ง Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 2 Bay leaf
- 500 g Sauerkraut(rinsed and drained)
- 400 g Canned cannellini beans(drained and rinsed)
- 1 l Beef broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season pork cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the pork in batches until browned on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot; sear in batches for better browning. - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sautรฉ until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and caraway seeds, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Return the seared pork to the pot. Add the rinsed sauerkraut, bay leaves, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the ingredients. - 4
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Stir occasionally.
๐ก Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender pork. - 5
Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot. Stir and continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken slightly.
๐ก Tip: Uncovered simmering helps to reduce the liquid and thicken the stew. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
๐ก Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as sauerkraut and broth can be salty.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a deeper flavor, you can add a smoked pork hock or a piece of smoked bacon during the initial simmering stage.
- โIf the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or create a slurry with a tablespoon of flour and a little water to thicken it.
- โThis dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or root vegetables like carrots and parsnips along with the sauerkraut for a heartier stew.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.