Hirino me Selino

Hirino me Selino Recipe | Greek Pork and Celery Dish

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hirino me Selino is a traditional Greek dish that combines tender pork chops with the fresh and crisp flavor of celery. This dish is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Hirino me Selino has been a popular dish in Greek cuisine for many years. The combination of pork and celery creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This dish is often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

1-1.25 kg lean boneless pork or 4 medium-sized pork chops
1 large head of celery
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely sliced
600 ml hot water
salt and white pepper

Avgolemono Sauce

2 eggs
1 tbsp cornflour diluted in 3 tbsp cold water
2 lemons

How to prepare

Rinse the meat and drain.
Discard the root end of the celery, separate into stalks, trim and rinse each stalk under cold running water.
Using a knife, remove any grit from the ribbed back of the celery. Cut the celery into 5 cm pieces, including the leaves.
Boil salted water in a large saucepan (about 22-25 cm) and add the celery. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In the same saucepan, heat the oil and sauté the meat and onion until they are slightly transparent, but not browned.
Add hot water, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
Season with salt and white pepper, then add the celery and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the celery is very tender.
Turn off the heat and let it stand for at least 5 minutes before adding the sauce.
Prepare the Avgolemono sauce by combining the eggs, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
Slowly pour the sauce over the meat, rotating the saucepan at the same time.
Put the saucepan back on very low heat for 5 minutes only, to cook the cornstarch and thicken the sauce. Do not let it boil.
Serve with a fresh green salad, fresh bread, and, if desired, mashed or roasted potatoes.

Variations

For a twist on this traditional recipe, try adding diced tomatoes or olives for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the meat and drain it thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess moisture.

- Boiling the celery before adding it to the dish helps to soften it and remove any bitterness.

- Slowly pour the Avgolemono sauce over the meat to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to let the sauce boil, as this can cause it to curdle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hirino me Selino with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, and roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the celery before adding it to the dish helps to soften it and remove any bitterness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pork chops, you can use chicken or beef as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or lemon slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hirino me Selino with a crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

8g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs.

Summary

Hirino me Selino is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a well-balanced meal that is sure to keep you satisfied.

Summary

Hirino me Selino is a delicious and comforting Greek dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender pork chops and flavorful celery, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to Greece and was eager to share some of the delicious dishes she had learned to make. As she pulled out her old recipe book, I couldn't help but notice the delightful aroma of herbs and spices that filled the room.

Maria flipped through the pages of her book until she landed on a recipe called Hirino me Selino, which translates to Pork with Celery. The combination of tender pork and fragrant celery sounded absolutely mouthwatering, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

With a twinkle in her eye, Maria began to explain the origins of the recipe. She told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The recipe had been in their family for years, and it was a beloved dish that was always shared with friends and loved ones.

As Maria started to gather the ingredients, she explained each step of the process with patience and care. She showed me how to season the pork with a blend of Mediterranean herbs, how to chop the celery into delicate slices, and how to slowly simmer everything together in a savory broth.

The kitchen was filled with the comforting sounds of sizzling meat and bubbling sauce as Maria guided me through each step. I could feel the love and tradition that went into this recipe, and I was eager to make it a part of my own culinary repertoire.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the dish was finally ready. The tender pork and crisp celery had melded together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Maria and I sat down at the table, our mouths watering in anticipation of the first bite.

As I took my first taste of the Hirino me Selino, I was transported to a sun-soaked Greek village, surrounded by laughter and good food. The dish was a symphony of flavors, with the savory pork complementing the fresh, earthy taste of the celery. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, and I knew that it would become a cherished recipe in my own family.

Since that day, I have made Hirino me Selino countless times, each time with a smile on my face and a warm heart. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Maria had so graciously shared with me.

Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of that summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a piece of history and culture. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with the past and create memories for the future, and Hirino me Selino has become a cherished part of that culinary journey.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give this traditional Greek dish a chance. Let the flavors and aromas transport you to a different time and place, and savor every bite with the knowledge that you are carrying on a culinary legacy that spans generations. Bon appétit!