Savory Pork Goulash

Delve into a comforting dish that combines tender pork with a medley of flavorful spices and vegetables for a truly heartwarming meal. This pork goulash is full of robust and rich flavors, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last. The succulent pork neck is simmered slowly, absorbing the aromatic qualities of spices like coriander, black pepper, and chili. To elevate the taste, a blend of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce brings in a tangy-sweet depth, creating a luscious sauce coating the pork. The dish's simplicity lies in how the ingredients complement each other without overpowering the delicate taste of the pork. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the palate. With a total preparation time of about two hours, this goulash guarantees a mouthwatering result worth every moment spent cooking. Whether it's the captivating fragrance or the warming comfort, this dish effortlessly becomes a family favorite. Pair it with mashed potatoes or your choice of sides for a satisfying meal. Enjoy this culinary journey that marries traditional European flavors with a touch of modern cooking techniques.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 kg pork neck
2 carrots
2 onions
250 g tomato paste

Spices and Sauces:

Brown sugar
Coriander seeds
Black peppercorns
Allspice berries
1 chili or dried chili peppers
Worcestershire sauce
Bay leaves
Light soy sauce
Salt
Cooking oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients so they are readily accessible. This will help streamline the cooking process.
Chop the Vegetables: Cut the onions into large cubes measuring about 2x2 cm, and slice the carrots into rounds.
Cube the Pork: Dice the pork neck into generous 3x3 cm cubes, ensuring they are even for uniform cooking.
Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and carrots to the pot, stirring occasionally until they start to brown.
Add the Pork: Incorporate the pork cubes into the pot, ensuring each side is nicely seared.
Pour in Water: Add enough water to cover the pork, then include coriander seeds, black peppercorns, allspice, and chili for a subtle heat.
Optional Spice Wrap: For easy removal, wrap the spices in a small piece of clean cloth, and place them in the pot.
Simmer the Meat: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about an hour and a half, occasionally checking for softness.
Check for Tenderness: Taste the pork; it should be tender and soft, not chewy.
Prepare the Garlic: Use a blender or garlic press to puree the garlic. If using a blender, add a tiny bit of water for a sharper garlic flavor.
Cook the Tomato Paste: In a pan, heat some oil and add the tomato paste. Stir in the pureed garlic and let it sauté for a couple of minutes.
Add Seasonings: Enhance the tomato paste with 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, along with brown sugar to taste.
Blend the Flavors: Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer briefly for a richer flavor.
Combine Everything: Once the pork is perfectly tender, add a few bay leaves and the tomato-garlic mixture into the goulash.
Simmer Further: Let the entire pot simmer for another 15 minutes to marry all the flavors.
Adjust Salinity: Taste the goulash and adjust salt levels as needed.
Cover and Rest: Cover the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes to settle the flavors.
Taste Test: Once ready to serve, give it one last taste to ensure it's well-seasoned.
Ready to Serve: Pair with your favorite side such as mashed potatoes or a hearty pasta. Bon appétit!

Tips

Spice Control: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chili or reduce the amount used.
Meat Choice: If pork neck is unavailable, substitute with pork shoulder for a similarly tender result.
Storage: The goulash can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day for even more developed flavors.
Thicken Sauce: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 30g
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 35g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute pork with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Version: Add extra chili or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free variants.

Serving Suggestions

Best served with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a pasta of your choice.
Add a side of freshly baked bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Best Places

Explore some of the top eateries around the world that could inspire your next meal:

Goulash Restaurant - Known for its hearty and traditional Hungarian goulash.
Location: Váci Street, Budapest, Hungary.
Bistro Saigon - Offers a unique fusion of Eastern and European cuisines.
Location: Rue Saint-Lazare, Paris, France.
The Grillhouse - Famous for its extensive variety of meats and savory goulash.
Location: New South Head Road, Sydney, Australia.
Old Town Hall Restaurant - A rustic ambiance with authentic European flavors.
Location: Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic.
Edelweiss Restaurant - Provides a cozy alpine setting with classic dishes like goulash.
Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
The Kettlehouse Kitchen - Features a menu inspired by old English and hearty dishes.
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom.
Alpine Retreat Cafe - A quaint little cafe nestled in the Swiss Alps.
Location: Zermatt, Switzerland.
Gourmet Central - Offers gourmet interpretations of classic European dishes.
Location: New York, USA.
Savory Seat - Known for adventurous global cuisine with dishes like pork goulash.
Location: Vancouver, Canada.
Tudor's Table - Ideal for those seeking a historical ambiance and traditional meals.
Location: Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland.