Aromatic Moldovan Mamaliga with Pork Stew

Name: Aromatic Moldovan Mamaliga with Pork Stew
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g pork shoulder; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 red bell pepper; 200g tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; 500ml beef broth; Salt and pepper; 250g cornmeal; 1 liter water; 1 tsp salt; 50g butter; Fresh parsley; Spring onions

Traditional Moldovan Delight

A hearty dish that combines the rustic charm of mamaliga with a tender, savory pork stew.

2 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Pork Stew

500g pork shoulder

cut into cubes

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 large onion

diced

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 red bell pepper

chopped

200g tomatoes

chopped

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp paprika

500ml beef broth

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Mamaliga

250g cornmeal

1 liter water

1 tsp salt

50g butter

For the Garnish

Fresh parsley

chopped

Spring onions

sliced

Preparation

Marinating the Pork

Season the pork

Season the cubed pork with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Rest the meat

Set aside to allow the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes.

Preparing the Mamaliga

Boil the water

In a large pot, bring water to a boil with salt.

Whisk in cornmeal

Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps.

Cook the mamaliga

Reduce heat and stir occasionally until thickened.

Stir the mamaliga frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Cooking Process

Brown the Pork

Heat oil in a pan, add pork cubes, and cook until browned on all sides.

Build the Stew

Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth; bring to a boil.

Simmer the Stew

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 hours or until pork is tender.

Plating & Serving