Potatoes with Pork

Potatoes with Pork Recipe from Romania | Ingredients: Pork, Lard, Onions, Potatoes, Tomato Paste, Paprika, Salt, Thyme

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Potatoes with Pork is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in many Eastern European countries. This dish combines tender pieces of pork with potatoes, onions, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Potatoes with Pork has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. This dish originated as a way to make use of simple and affordable ingredients, such as potatoes and pork. Over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g of pork
1 tbsp of lard
2 – 3 onions
1 lb / 500 g of potatoes
2 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tsp of paprika
salt
a little thyme (optional)

How to prepare

Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, and fry in lard.
Once the meat starts to brown, add the finely chopped raw onion or fry the onion until it turns yellow.
Pour enough water to cover the meat.
Cover the pot and let it boil over low heat until the meat is almost tender.
Next, add the tomato paste, paprika, more salt, a pinch of thyme, and the halved or quartered potatoes (depending on their size).
If needed, add more water to ensure the ingredients are covered.
Continue boiling over low heat until the potatoes are cooked and the liquid has reduced almost completely.

Variations

Add bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor.
Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different twist.
Add a splash of white wine or broth for a richer sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pork into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Browning the meat before adding the onions will help to develop flavor.

- Be sure to cover the pot while simmering to prevent the liquid from evaporating too quickly.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or paprika as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Potatoes with Pork can be served on its own as a complete meal. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of frying and simmering to cook the meat and potatoes until tender. Be sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lard, you can use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute. You can also use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Potatoes with Pork can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Potatoes with Pork in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a cozy and rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Potatoes with Pork pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Potatoes with Pork contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Potatoes with Pork contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Potatoes with Pork contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Potatoes with Pork contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. Pork is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and lard, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Potatoes with Pork is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a hearty dinner.

Summary

Potatoes with Pork is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village. Maria was well-known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to the culinary delights she would prepare for us.

On that particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen to help her prepare lunch. As we chatted and chopped vegetables, I noticed her pulling out a worn and tattered recipe book from a hidden corner of her cupboard.

“What’s that, Maria?” I asked, curious about the book’s contents.

“Oh, this old thing?” Maria chuckled. “It’s my grandmother’s recipe book. Full of old family recipes that have been passed down for generations.”

I was instantly intrigued. Maria’s family recipes were always a hit, and I couldn’t wait to see what treasures were hidden within the pages of that book.

As we continued to cook, Maria began to tell me the story of the recipe for Potatoes with Pork. She explained that it was a traditional dish from her grandmother’s village, a hearty and comforting meal that was perfect for feeding a hungry family.

“My grandmother used to make this dish for us on special occasions,” Maria reminisced. “It’s simple, yet so flavorful. The secret is in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious meal.”

I watched in awe as Maria expertly prepared the dish, adding in all the ingredients with care and precision. The aroma that filled the kitchen was mouth-watering, and I couldn’t wait to taste the finished product.

Finally, after hours of slow cooking, the Potatoes with Pork was ready. Maria served it up in a large ceramic dish, garnished with fresh herbs from her garden. The first bite was pure heaven – tender pieces of pork, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich, savory sauce that had me going back for seconds.

As I savored every bite, Maria told me more about the history of the recipe. She explained how her grandmother had learned to make it from an old family friend, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago.

“It’s amazing how recipes can connect us to our past,” Maria mused. “Each time I make this dish, I feel like I’m honoring my grandmother and all the generations of women who came before me.”

I couldn’t agree more. The simple act of cooking and sharing a meal has the power to bring people together, to create memories that will last a lifetime.

After that day, I knew I had to learn how to make Potatoes with Pork for myself. I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. I took notes as she explained each step, making sure to capture all the little details that made the dish so special.

When I returned home, I couldn’t wait to try out the recipe in my own kitchen. As I gathered the ingredients and followed Maria’s instructions, I felt a sense of connection to her and her family, to all the women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

The aroma that filled my kitchen as the Potatoes with Pork cooked was intoxicating, bringing back memories of that special day with Maria. When I finally sat down to enjoy the meal, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

Over the years, I have made Potatoes with Pork countless times, each time with a little twist or variation to make it my own. And yet, no matter how many times I cook it, the dish always brings me back to that summer day with Maria, to the warmth and love that went into every bite.

I am grateful for the recipe that has been passed down through generations, for the connections it has helped me forge with friends and family, and for the memories it has created along the way. Cooking Potatoes with Pork will always be a special experience for me, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Potatoes with Pork, I say a silent thank you to Maria, to her grandmother, and to all the women who came before me, for sharing this delicious recipe and allowing me to carry on their culinary legacy.