Transylvanian Goulash
SERVES 6 TO 8
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.
Ingredients
1 (31⁄2-pound) boneless pork butt roast, trimmed and cut into 11⁄2-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
Minced fresh dill
Directions
1. 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 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper.
2. 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.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, tomato, and 1⁄2 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.
4. 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.
5. Using wide spoon, skim off any surface fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, garnished with sour cream and dill.
Photo Credit: Cook’s Country
You can watch past episodes of Cook’s Country on WSKG Passport.
For more information about WSKG Passport, please visit our support page.
To see other recipes from Cook’s Country and other shows, visit Cooking with WSKG.