Serbian Pork Dinner
Hearty Serbian pork with peppers, paprika and tomato. Serve over rice or noodles. Easy to make ahead and adjust for heat.
I recieved this recipe from one of my daughter's students. He is from Serbia and said his mother made this for him when he was growing up. It is one of our family favorites now.
Submitted by: Mrs. Linda S. from Johnstown, Penna.
Yield: Serves 4
- Use a fatty boneless cut like pork shoulder so it bakes tender and shreds easily.
- Brown onions, coat with arrowroot or flour and paprika to build a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Simmer with peppers, tomato paste and broth 1 to 1.5 hours, then serve over rice or noodles.
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Preparation Instructions:
Heat oil and butter in large skillet. When hot add onions and cook till soft gold color. Sprinkle Arrowroot or flour over top and add the paprika. Stir well for a couple of minutes*. Reduce heat and add pork,peppers, beef broth,tomato paste,garlic,salt and bay leaf. Stir to mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer covered 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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More About This Recipe
* It won't look like enough liquid but the Paprika will bring the moisture you need. Serve over Basmati rice or Noodles. (Tomato basil noodles if you can get them)
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
Choose a fatty, boneless roast such as pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts become tender and shred easily. Lean cuts like pork loin can dry out unless you shorten cooking time and watch liquid.
How do I bake and shred the pork before adding it to the skillet?
Roast the seasoned 2 to 3 pound boneless shoulder covered at 300 to 325 F until it is fork tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Let it rest 10 minutes, then shred with two forks. You can also use a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Can I use regular paprika instead of hot paprika?
Yes. Sweet paprika gives color and mild flavor. Use hot paprika or add sliced hot peppers or cayenne if you want heat. Start with mild and add spice to taste.
What can I use instead of arrowroot?
Substitute an equal amount of cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Sprinkle it over the cooked onions and stir to coat before adding the liquids. This helps thicken the sauce.
Is this dish very spicy and how can I control the heat?
Spiciness depends on the hot peppers and paprika you use. To make it mild, omit the hot peppers, use sweet paprika, or remove seeds from the peppers. To make it hotter, add more hot paprika, fresh hot peppers, or a pinch of cayenne.
What should I serve with Serbian pork dinner?
Serve it over steamed basmati rice or egg noodles. Tomato-basil noodles work well. Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream if you like.
Can I make this ahead or freeze leftovers?
Yes. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on low, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
Choose a fatty, boneless roast such as pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts become tender and shred easily. Lean cuts like pork loin can dry out unless you shorten cooking time and watch liquid.
How do I bake and shred the pork before adding it to the skillet?
Roast the seasoned 2 to 3 pound boneless shoulder covered at 300 to 325 F until it is fork tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Let it rest 10 minutes, then shred with two forks. You can also use a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Can I use regular paprika instead of hot paprika?
Yes. Sweet paprika gives color and mild flavor. Use hot paprika or add sliced hot peppers or cayenne if you want heat. Start with mild and add spice to taste.
What can I use instead of arrowroot?
Substitute an equal amount of cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Sprinkle it over the cooked onions and stir to coat before adding the liquids. This helps thicken the sauce.
Is this dish very spicy and how can I control the heat?
Spiciness depends on the hot peppers and paprika you use. To make it mild, omit the hot peppers, use sweet paprika, or remove seeds from the peppers. To make it hotter, add more hot paprika, fresh hot peppers, or a pinch of cayenne.
What should I serve with Serbian pork dinner?
Serve it over steamed basmati rice or egg noodles. Tomato-basil noodles work well. Garnish with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream if you like.
Can I make this ahead or freeze leftovers?
Yes. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on low, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
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