Tender Ukrainian Pork Stew

This hearty Ukrainian pork stew brings the rich tradition of Eastern European comfort food right to your table. The tender braised pork shoulder combined with savory mushrooms creates a deeply flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cold-weather meal.

I first learned this recipe from my Ukrainian neighbor during a particularly brutal winter. She explained that in her village, this stew was served during celebrations and cold months alike, and after one bite, I understood why it had been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder: 3.5 pounds — the marbled fat renders down during cooking to create incredible tenderness and flavor
• White mushrooms: 8–10 — adds earthy depth to the stew while absorbing the savory flavors of the pork
• Carrots: 2 large — provides natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Sweet onion: 1 large — forms the aromatic foundation of the stew
• Garlic cloves: 6 — enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth and pungency
• Ground spices: coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper — this blend is quintessentially Eastern European with the perfect balance of warmth and depth
• All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon — helps create a silky textured sauce that clings perfectly to the meat
• Water or vegetable broth: 6 cups — forms the base of our rich sauce
• Sour cream: 1/4 cup — adds creaminess and subtle tanginess traditional in Ukrainian cooking
• Ketchup: 1/4 cup — provides sweetness and acidity that balances the rich pork
• Potatoes: 4 pounds — the perfect canvas for soaking up the flavorful stew
• Butter: 1 cup unsalted — creates luxuriously rich mashed potatoes
• Heavy cream: adjusts the consistency of potatoes to your preference
• Fresh herbs: dill and parsley — brightens the dish with vibrant color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Pork:

Cut your pork shoulder into consistent 1-inch cubes ensuring even cooking. Heat a large frying pan until quite hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding which would steam rather than brown the meat. Each batch should take about 7–8 minutes until you achieve a deep golden crust. This browning creates the foundation of flavor through the Maillard reaction.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Use the same pan to capture all the flavorful fond from the meat. Allow mushrooms to brown first before adding other vegetables as they release moisture that could prevent proper caramelization. The carrots and onions should become soft but not mushy. When adding garlic, cook just until fragrant (about 60 seconds) to prevent bitterness. Toast the spices briefly to release their essential oils which dramatically enhances their flavor.

Prepare the Sauce:

The combination of sour cream and ketchup might seem unusual but creates the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness. Whisk vigorously to incorporate the flour and prevent lumps. The sauce should be poured while still hot over the pork to begin the tenderizing process immediately.

Braise the Pork:

Keeping the lid slightly ajar allows for gentle reduction creating a more concentrated flavor. The low simmer is crucial — too hot and the meat becomes tough, too cool and bacteria can grow. You'll know the pork is perfectly done when it offers little resistance when pressed with a fork.

Make the Mashed Potatoes:

Start the potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking from the inside out. Boiling them with salt seasons them internally. The key to luxurious potatoes is adding butter while they're still hot so it melts completely throughout. Mash by hand rather than using a food processor which can make potatoes gluey.

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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always said good paprika was worth its weight in gold, and she was right. I once tried to skip it when I ran out, and the dish was missing that distinctive smoky dimension that makes everyone ask for seconds.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

This stew exemplifies why slow cooking creates unparalleled flavor. The collagen in the pork shoulder gradually breaks down, converting to gelatin which creates that silky mouthfeel in the sauce. While it might be tempting to rush the process, those 90 minutes of gentle simmering are essential for developing the deep complex flavors that make this dish special. If you have a busy day ahead, you can even extend the cooking time to 2–3 hours on an even lower heat for even more tender results.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips make excellent additions to the stew. For a more robust flavor profile, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the vegetables. Don’t have sour cream? Greek yogurt makes a wonderful substitute providing the same tangy creaminess. Some families add a splash of red wine or even a little honey to enhance the complexity of the sauce.

Traditional Ukrainian Context

In Ukrainian cuisine, this type of stew represents the perfect union of practicality and celebration. Historically, farmers would prepare similar dishes after butchering a pig in late autumn, creating hearty meals that could sustain workers through cold winters. The addition of sour cream is distinctly Eastern European, reflecting the region's rich dairying traditions. While modern Ukrainian cooking has evolved, this style of slow cooked pork stew remains a cornerstone of family meals, particularly for Sunday dinners when families gather together.

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This Ukrainian pork stew will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes on a chilly weekend for unbeatable comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of pork for this stew?

While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and how it becomes tender when braised, you could substitute pork butt or even pork loin (though loin will be leaner and slightly less tender). For the best results, choose a cut with some marbling for flavor and moisture.

→ How can I make this stew ahead of time?

This stew actually improves with time! Make it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen and meld together. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the sauce. Make fresh mashed potatoes just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream in this dish?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream, providing similar tanginess and creaminess. In a pinch, crème fraîche or heavy cream with a squeeze of lemon juice will work. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream with a touch of vinegar.

→ What sides pair well with Ukrainian pork stew?

While the mashed potatoes create a complete meal, consider adding pickled vegetables like beets or cucumbers for contrast. A simple side salad with vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables would complement the rich flavors. Traditional Ukrainian rye bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.

→ Can this stew be frozen?

Yes, this stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The mashed potatoes are best made fresh rather than frozen.

→ How can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Brown the pork and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender. The slow cooker method intensifies the flavors while requiring less monitoring.