Bukovynska Kuchma
A hearty and flavorful Ukrainian dish from the Bukovina region, featuring slow-cooked pork belly with prunes and spices. It's a rich, savory, and slightly sweet stew perfect for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Pork belly(skin on, cut into large cubes)
- 200 g Prunes(pitted, halved if large)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 Bay leaves
- 5 Allspice berries
- 1 tsp Black peppercorns
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Water or broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for tender pork belly. - 2
In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, sear the pork belly cubes over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 3
Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the pork belly to the pot. Add the prunes, bay leaves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure prunes are distributed evenly. - 6
Add enough water or broth to come about halfway up the ingredients. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using a good quality broth will enhance the flavor. - 7
Cover the pot tightly and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for at least 3 hours, or until the pork belly is extremely tender and falling apart.
💡 Tip: Check liquid levels occasionally and add more water/broth if needed. - 8
Remove from oven. Skim off excess fat from the surface if desired. Adjust seasoning.
💡 Tip: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer flavor, use a combination of water and dark beer.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- ✓Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or traditional Ukrainian bread like pampushky.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper color and flavor.
- Include a few dried apricots along with the prunes for added sweetness and tang.
- A splash of red wine can be added with the liquid for complexity.