Pork stew with dumplings

Pork stew with dumplings - a comforting delight

Pork stew with dumplings is one of those recipes that combines tradition with exquisite taste. It is a dish that embraces you with rich flavors and satisfying consistency, perfect for cooler days or moments when you want to indulge in something truly special. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, and it will surely become a favorite in your family!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Main ingredients

For the stew:
- 1 kg pork (shoulder is the best choice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 white onion
- 1 red onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (about 400g)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of dill, chopped

For the dumplings:
- 2-3 medium-sized potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- White flour, as needed (about 200g)

Step by step in preparing the stew

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork well. Remove the skin, then cut it into cubes of about 3 cm. This will help the meat cook evenly.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions (both white and red) and sauté them until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the sliced carrots and diced bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Adding the meat: Now it's time to add the pork to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Let the meat brown slightly, about 10 minutes.

4. Cooking the stew: Add the larger chopped canned tomatoes along with a cup of water. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender.

Preparing the dumplings

5. Boiling the potatoes: While the stew is cooking, place the potatoes in salted water to boil. Cook them until soft, about 15-20 minutes, then drain and mash or grate them.

6. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with salt and flour, adding the flour gradually until the dough becomes smooth and easy to shape. It is important not to add too much flour, otherwise the dumplings will be tough.

7. Shaping the dumplings: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Form a roll and cut it into pieces of the desired size for dumplings.

8. Boiling the dumplings: Boil salted water in a separate pot. When the water is boiling, add the dumplings. When they rise to the surface, they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to remove them.

Finalizing the stew

9. Finalizing the dish: When the meat is nearly cooked, add the tomato juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and a few ladles of the water in which the dumplings were boiled. Let the stew simmer for another 10-15 minutes so that the flavors combine.

10. Serving: Finally, add the dumplings to the stew and sprinkle with chopped parsley and dill. Let it come to a final boil and then serve the stew alongside pickled cucumbers for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Useful tips

- Choosing the meat: Opt for pork with a higher fat content for a juicier stew. Shoulder or pork leg are excellent choices.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with seasonal vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to add more flavors.
- Dumplings: If you want to give them a different taste, you can add herbs to the dumpling dough, such as dill or parsley.
- Serving: This stew is perfect with a slice of freshly baked bread or polenta on the side.

Nutritional benefits

Pork stew with dumplings is an excellent source of protein due to the pork, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. The potato dumplings provide complex carbohydrates, which will give you energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken. In this case, the cooking time will be significantly reduced.
- How can I store the stew for the next day? You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze it for later consumption.

Possible variations

- Vegetarian stew: Replace the meat with mushrooms and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower.
- Cheese dumplings: Add cottage cheese to the dumpling dough for a delicious taste and a richer texture.

In conclusion, pork stew with dumplings is an easy-to-make recipe, full of flavors and with a comforting texture that will bring warmth and joy to your meals. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your taste to create a personalized version of this classic dish. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg pork (thigh) 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 white onion 1 red onion 2 carrots 1 bell pepper 1 can of tomatoes in juice salt pepper smoked paprika parsley and dill for dumplings: 2-3 potatoes salt white flour

 Tags:  vegetable stew pork stew