Pork and Beer Stew (German)

twissis's Note:

*Schweinefleisch und Bier-Eintopf* in German, this recipe is from *Modern German Food* by Roz Denny. Roz said "In several parts of Germany, breadcrumbs are used to thicken soups & stews, a brilliant idea that adds a delicious rich & slightly nutty flavour, esp when beer is used instead of stock. This recipe uses shoulder of pork, but works equally well w/beef or veal & is a wonderful warming casserole." *Enjoy* ! (15 min was allowed for ingredient prep)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 600 g braising pork (cubed & lean shoulder suggested)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2 carrots (cut in chunky sticks)
• 125 g button mushrooms (sliced) (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 (500 ml) bottle dark beer
• 85 g rye bread (made into crumbs)
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• fresh parsley (chopped)

Directions:

1. In a lrg heavy-based saucepan, brown cubed pork in half the oil till nicely browned (about 5 min), remove w/a slotted spoon & set aside.
2. Add remaining oil & saute the onion & garlic for 5 min or till softened.
3. Stir in the carrots & mushrooms (if using) & cook for 5 minutes. Add spices & bay leaf.
4. Return the meat to the pan & stir in the beer + breadcrumbs. Season w/salt + pepper to taste & bring to a slow boil, stirring once or twice.
5. Make sure the meat is pressed under the liquid, then partially cover & simmer very gently for about 1 hour.
6. Uncover, remove bay leaf + cinnamon stick, sprinkle w/parsley & serve immediately.
7. Serving Suggestions Per Roz: "Serve w/buttered cabbage or kale + potato dumplings, mashed potatoes or Spatzle.".

Reviews

[Galley Wench]

Very tasty! I cut the recipe down to serve two, using a 1/2 of a pork tenderloin. Loved the use of rye bread to thicken! Made for Family Picks ZWT #6

[Tess #2]

Being in a german mode this stew just hit the spot. I made it as written , but did add a couple of parsnips to the mix as I love them in stews. I used guiness stout for my beer in the dish and also added a wee bit of brown sugar to mellow it out a bit. I cooked it in a cast iron dutch oven in the oven and it just came out delicious. Served this with mashed potatoes. Thanks for the recipe, will definately make again.

[idamae 1946]

I made this for 10 servings. The only thing I did differently is when all the ingrediants were put together I put them in a roasting pan and threw it in the over for about 4 hours @ 325 degrees. I had too many things to do and just want to sit down and eat when it was done. I served the dish with mashed potatoes. My husband as well as my company loved this dish. The flavors were wonderful!!!! According to all it was #1 for the year. Thanks f/posting this dish. :)