Pork > European > Croatian

Pork and Sauerkraut Podvarak Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs. pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. sauerkraut, drained
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. caraway seeds
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or large pot with lid

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.

5. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

7. Add the sauerkraut, tomato paste, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

8. Add the browned pork cubes back to the pot.

9. Pour in the water and stir to combine.

10. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.

11. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauerkraut is cooked through.

12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

13. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 35g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with pork loin or pork tenderloin.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or canola oil.
- Caraway seeds can be substituted with fennel seeds or cumin seeds.

Variations:
- Add diced potatoes to the pot for a heartier meal.
- Use chicken instead of pork for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add chopped apples for a touch of sweetness.

Tips and tricks:
- Brown the pork cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess liquid in the pot.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot while cooking.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped scallions

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork is not tender after 1 hour and 30 minutes, continue cooking until it is tender.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Podvarak is a traditional Serbian dish made with sauerkraut and meat.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Tangy
- Spicy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

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Taste: Tangy, Savory, Sour, Salty, Umami