Međimursko Meso 'z Tiblice - Slow-cooked Croatian Pork Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, cubed 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine 1 cup (240ml) red wine
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, dried thyme, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper over the pork. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and red wine. Add the bay leaf.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily falls apart.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Međimursko Meso 'z Tiblice hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Sweet paprika — Opt for high-quality sweet paprika to enhance the dish's flavor. Hungarian paprika is a great choice.
• Red wine — Use a dry red wine that you would enjoy drinking. It adds depth and richness to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the pork cubes in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Serving advice

Garnish the Međimursko Meso 'z Tiblice with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Serve the Međimursko Meso 'z Tiblice in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the tender pork and flavorful sauce to take center stage. Sprinkle some additional paprika on top for an extra touch of color.