Ukrainian Pork Stew (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat

01 - 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 8-10 white mushrooms, diced
03 - 2 large carrots, grated
04 - 1 sweet onion, diced
05 - 6 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 4 pounds (1.8 kg) large potatoes, peeled and chunked

→ Spices and Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for potatoes
12 - Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

→ Liquids and Dairy

14 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
15 - 6 cups water or vegetable broth
16 - 1/4 cup sour cream
17 - 1/4 cup ketchup
18 - 1 cup unsalted butter
19 - Heavy cream, as needed
20 - Cooking oil, for browning

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking oil. Brown the pork cubes in batches for 7-8 minutes, seasoning with salt until nicely browned. Transfer the browned pork into a braising pot.
02 - Using the same pan, add a little extra oil and brown the diced mushrooms for 5-6 minutes. Add grated carrots and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper, stirring to toast the spices. Sprinkle in the flour to help thicken the sauce.
03 - Pour water (or vegetable broth), sour cream, ketchup, and salt into the pan. Whisk to combine thoroughly. Pour the liquid mixture over the browned pork in the braising pot and stir well to ensure the pork is evenly coated.
04 - Bring the braising pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover with a lid slightly ajar to allow for evaporation. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
05 - Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a bowl. Add unsalted butter to the hot potatoes and let it melt. Mash the potatoes, adding heavy cream as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Once the pork is done, stir in fresh dill and parsley. Serve the braised pork over the creamy mashed potatoes, pouring some of the rich sauce on top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs.

# Notes:

01 - This hearty Ukrainian stew features tender slow-cooked pork with aromatic spices and mushrooms, traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete comfort meal.