Zharenka with Mushrooms and Potatoes
Zharenka is a hearty and rustic Belarusian dish, essentially a flavorful pan-fried mixture of potatoes, meat, and often mushrooms. This version highlights earthy mushrooms and tender potatoes, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 300 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 300 g Mushrooms(such as cremini or chanterelles, sliced)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- to serve Sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil or lard in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve a good sear. - 2
Add the cubed pork and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove pork from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, about 15-20 minutes. You may need to add a little more oil if the pan becomes dry.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook potatoes in batches if necessary. - 4
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the potatoes and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until mushrooms are browned and tender, and garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
Return the browned pork to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lard for frying.
- ✓You can add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips along with the potatoes.
- ✓Ensure potatoes are dry before frying to achieve crispiness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of tomato paste in step 5 for a touch of acidity.
- Incorporate smoked sausage or bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use different types of mushrooms for varied textures and tastes.