Bulgarian Poliŭka with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 250ml (1 cup) beef broth 250ml (1 cup) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the pork cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the cumin, paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato paste, honey, and beef broth to the pot, stirring well to combine.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Poliŭka hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder as it will become tender and flavorful during the slow cooking process.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the pork cubes in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Serving advice

Garnish the Poliŭka with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Presentation advice

Serve the Poliŭka in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the tender meat and flavorful sauce to take center stage. Pair it with rustic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.