Leskovačka Mućkalica

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) pork or beef, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the meat cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced bell peppers and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Leskovačka Mućkalica hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and white membranes before slicing. If you prefer a spicier stew, leave the seeds and membranes intact.
• Tomato paste — Look for high-quality tomato paste with no added sugar for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve Leskovačka Mućkalica hot, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or a generous portion of rice or mashed potatoes. This will help soak up the flavorful sauce and make it a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Leskovačka Mućkalica with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic clay pot or a deep serving dish to showcase its hearty nature.