Pickled cucumber dish

Pickled cucumber dish with pork meat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of intense flavors and recipes that remind us of family meals! Today, we will prepare a delicious pickled cucumber dish with pork, a simple yet flavorful recipe. This is a dish that has been cooked for generations and has the power to delight our taste buds, bringing us back to the warm moments of childhood.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg pickled cucumbers (in brine, not vinegar)
- 400 g pork shoulder
- 1 large onion
- 2 tomatoes (or 200 g tomato paste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- Bay leaves
- Allspice berries
- Sweet paprika
- Salt
- Thyme
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Details about the ingredients

- Pickled cucumbers: Choose pickled cucumbers in brine, as they provide a more complex flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Pork meat: Pork shoulder is ideal, but you can also experiment with other types of meat, such as neck or tenderloin.
- Onion: This adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish, so be sure to chop it finely.
- Tomatoes: If you opt for fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe and juicy. Tomato paste is a convenient alternative but offers a concentrated flavor.

Cooking technique

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the pork into small cubes, the onion into small pieces, and the cucumbers into slices. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and chop them finely.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This will form the base of the flavors.

3. Adding the meat: Once the onion is ready, add the cubes of pork. Mix well and add the vegetable stock cube along with the spices: bay leaves, allspice berries, sweet paprika, salt, and thyme. Stir everything to combine the flavors.

4. Boiling: Pour a glass of water into the pot and let it boil over medium heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the meat is tender.

5. Adding the cucumbers and tomatoes: After the meat has boiled, add the slices of pickled cucumbers and the peeled tomatoes (or tomato paste). Add 2 glasses of water and let it boil for 20 minutes, to combine the flavors and reduce the sauce.

6. Thickening the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the flour in a little water and add it to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

My personal tip

This dish is even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. So don't hesitate to make a larger batch!

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe offers a balance between the proteins from the meat and the vitamins from the vegetables. A serving of 300 g has approximately 450 calories. It is a nutritious meal, rich in fiber thanks to the pickled cucumbers and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh cucumbers?
Although the recipe is designed for pickled cucumbers, you can experiment with fresh cucumbers, but you will need to adjust the spices and add a little vinegar for acidity.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add diced carrots or potatoes to make the dish even heartier.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Delicious combinations

This dish pairs perfectly with warm polenta or fresh bread. A summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers can add a refreshing contrast. As for drinks, a dry white wine or a pale beer would wonderfully complement the meal.

Possible variations

For a touch of originality, experiment with adding green or black olives, which will bring a unique flavor to the dish. You can also try replacing the pork with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

So, let’s enjoy this delicious recipe together! The pickled cucumber dish with pork is not just a simple recipe, but also a culinary experience full of memories and traditions. Prepare it with love and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 kg pickled cucumbers (in brine, not vinegar), 400 g pork meat, 1 large onion, 2 tomatoes (or tomato paste), bay leaves, allspice berries, sweet paprika, salt, thyme, parsley, 2-3 tablespoons of flour, a vegetable stock cube

 Tags:  pickled cucumber dish