Pork muscle stew
Pork muscle ostropel: a savory recipe full of memories
If you are looking for a comforting recipe, full of flavor and warmth, ostropel is the perfect choice. This traditional dish, usually made with chicken, finds new life with pork muscle, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. I invite you to take a moment and enjoy this recipe that blends simplicity with comfort food, perfect for any occasion.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg boneless and trimmed pork muscle
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large tomato
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste with celery (or tomato paste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt, pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Preparing the ostropel:
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the pork muscle under a stream of cold water. Dry it with a clean kitchen towel and cut it into suitable pieces. This will help cook the meat evenly. Also, peel and chop the onion, peel the tomato and cut it into cubes, and remove the seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into small cubes. Grate the carrot and cut it into rounds. Peel and crush the garlic, and chop the parsley finely.
2. Cooking the meat
In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the pieces of pork muscle and lightly brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This will form a delicious crust on the meat, contributing to the final flavors of the ostropel.
3. Adding liquids
Once the meat is browned, add about 3 cups of water to the pot. When the water begins to boil, remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty sauce.
4. Including the vegetables
Add all the chopped vegetables (onion, bell pepper, tomato, and carrot) to the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat becomes tender.
5. Finalizing the sauce
In a small bowl, dissolve the flour in a little water, mixing well to avoid lumps. When the meat is cooked, add the tomato paste and the dissolved flour through a sieve, stirring vigorously. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
6. Final aroma
Finally, add the crushed garlic to the pot and mix well. Cover with a lid for a few minutes so that the flavors develop and the garlic infuses its aroma into the ostropel. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and let the pot sit covered for a few minutes.
Serving the ostropel
The pork muscle ostropel is served hot, alongside a fresh salad, pickles, or even warm and fluffy polenta. The polenta will absorb the delicious sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. You can opt for a salad of pickled cabbage or tomatoes, which will add a note of freshness and balance the dish's flavor.
Useful tips:
- If you like your ostropel saltier or spicier, you can adjust the spices to your taste. Add a dash of hot pepper if you want an extra kick.
- Instead of pork muscle, this recipe can be adapted with chicken, veal, or even turkey, keeping the same cooking method.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more water during cooking.
Nutritional benefits:
Pork muscle is an excellent source of protein, contributing to the development and maintenance of muscle mass. Additionally, the vegetables added not only provide flavor but also bring essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use different types of meat?*
Yes, this recipe is versatile and can be made with various types of meat.
- *How can I store the ostropel?*
The ostropel keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.
- *Can I freeze the ostropel?*
Yes, it is an excellent recipe for freezing. Make sure it is completely cooled before placing it in airtight containers.
In conclusion, pork muscle ostropel is a savory, easy-to-make recipe that blends tradition with modern flavors. Experiment with various ingredients and flavors to make it truly your own. Whether you serve it at a family meal or a special occasion, this dish will surely bring joy and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg of boneless and lean pork tenderloin, 1 red bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 large onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste with celery (I made it at home, but you can replace it with tomato paste, just use less), fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika.
