Pickled cucumber dish with pork

Pickled cucumber with pork dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Recipe introduction

Making a delicious meal isn't just about the ingredients, it's also about the stories we tell through our dishes. The pickled cucumber dish with pork is one of those recipes that evokes memories, so warm and familiar. It's a dish that brings together the intense flavors of pork, the freshness of garlic and the spicy tang of pickled cucumber. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a family dinner, offering a burst of flavors and a comforting texture.

Ingredients needed

- 700 g por pork (ideally the leg or back, for tender meat)
- 700 g pickled cucumbers (choose the crunchier ones to preserve texture)
- 1 onion (about 150 g)
- 1 garlic clove (6-8 cloves)
- Tomato juice (quantity will depend on personal preference, from 200 ml to 500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- Thyme (to taste, but 1-2 teaspoons would be ideal)
- 1 tbsp starch (to thicken the sauce)
- Fresh dill (a handful for garnish and flavor)
- 5 tablespoons oil (for frying, preferably sunflower or olive oil)

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Start by peeling the onion. Chop it finely so that it fries evenly and blends well. If you like a more intense flavor, you can opt for a red onion, which adds a sweetness.

The garlic should be peeled and gently crushed with the blade of a knife. This will release the essential oils and intensify its flavor.

The pickled cucumbers should be well drained of the juice in which they have been stored. Cut them in half lengthways, then slice them into thick pieces. This is when their tangy taste will really kick in and complement the pork perfectly.

Step 2: Roasting the meat and onions

Heat the 5 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent and beginning to caramelize. This step is essential as the fried onions will provide a sweet and flavorful background for the meat.

Now add the pork cut into small pieces (about 2-3 cm). Roast the meat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat changes color and browns slightly. Be patient at this step as browning is the key to juicy, flavorful meat.

Step 3: Cooking the meat

Once the meat has browned, add the crushed garlic and stir for 1 minute until the flavor becomes intense. Then add 3 cups of water (about 750 ml) and bring to the boil. Cover the saucepan with a lid and simmer for 40 minutes. This time will allow the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors from the sauce.

Step 4: Adding the pickled cucumber

After the 40 minutes, add the thickly sliced pickled cucumbers to the pan. They'll add a crisp, tangy crunch to your dish. Simmer together for 30 minutes. At this stage, you can also add the pepper paste and thyme, stirring well to make sure it is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Finalizing the dish

Once the cucumbers are cooked, add the tomato juice. The amount may vary, but 300 ml is enough to make a rich sauce. Simmer for a further 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, dissolve the tablespoon of starch in a little cold water, then add the mixture to the saucepan. This will thicken the sauce and add a velvety texture. Stir well and simmer for a further 2-3 minutes.

Finally, add freshly chopped dill for extra flavor and color. Cover the pan and turn off the heat.

Serving suggestion

The pickled cucumber and pork dish is delicious served with warm porridge or mashed potatoes. You can also add a fresh green salad to balance the intense taste. A slice of homemade bread fresh from the oven is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace pork with chicken or turkey, which will cook more quickly and offer a lighter alternative. Also, adding some carrots or bell peppers during cooking will add a touch of sweetness and a burst of color.

Nutrition facts

This recipe provides a balanced, protein-rich meal thanks to the pork, and brings a boost of vitamins and minerals from the cucumber and garlic. Each serving contains about 500 calories, but this may vary depending on the amount of oil and tomato juice used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of pickled?
It is not recommended, as the distinctive taste of the dish comes from the acidity and flavors of the pickled cucumber.

2. What can I do if I don't have starch?
You can use flour to thicken the sauce, but make sure you add it gradually and mix well to avoid lumps.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this?
Yes! You can use tofu or tempeh instead of meat and the sauce will still be just as tasty.

In conclusion, eating pickled cucumber with pork is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings together tradition and authentic taste. With every bite, you will feel at home, enveloped in precious flavors and memories. Do not hesitate to try this recipe and personalize it in your own way!

 Ingredients: -700g pork -700g pickled cucumbers -1 onion -1 head of garlic -tomato juice to taste -1 tablespoon of pepper paste -thyme -1 tablespoon of starch -dill