Transylvanian Goulash
There are lots of different goulash recipes in this world. This particular one is a riff of a more traditional Hungarian Goulash. The difference with this recipe is that marbled pork shoulder is used, instead of beef. The pork is oven-braised with vegetables and plenty of paprika for rich color and flavor. The final finish is sauerkraut and a garnish of sour cream and fresh dill. The pork is fork tender, and the sauerkraut is mild and lovely in this dish (believe me, I normally don't like sauerkraut). I served this atop creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Servings 8
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 3 1/2-pound boneless pork butt roast, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped fine
- 1 green bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and chopped fine
- 2 celery ribs chopped fine
- 1 plum tomato chopped
- 3 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups sauerkraut rinsed and drained
- Sour cream garnish
- minced fresh dill garnish
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Pat pork dry with paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add half of pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes; transfer to bowl. (Reduce heat if bottom of pot begins to scorch.) Repeat with remaining pork.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, tomato, and ½ teaspoon salt to now-empty pot and cook until vegetables are softened and liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add paprika, caraway seeds, and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in water and pork and any accumulated juices and bring to simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook for 1 hour. Stir in sauerkraut, cover, return pot to oven, and continue to cook until pork is fully tender, about 30 minutes longer.
- Using wide spoon, skim off any surface fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, garnished with sour cream and dill.
Notes
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Pork butt roast is often labeled Boston butt in the supermarket. Since paprika is vital to the success of this recipe, it is best to use a fresh bottle. Do not substitute hot or smoked Spanish paprika for the sweet paprika called for here. Eden Organic jarred sauerkraut is the test kitchen’s favorite sauerkraut. Rinsing the sauerkraut reduces its sharp flavor and bite; if you prefer sharper sauerkraut flavor, omit this step. Serve with white rice, if desired.
Recipe source: Cooks Country Magazine December / January 2017 issue.