Transylvanian Goulash

By Foodiewife

This recipe was inspired by my blogger friend, Mary @ One Perfect Bite. What's interesting about this recipe, is that I'm not particularly fond of sauerkraut! Once I read that the sauerkraut is drained, and then let to stand in water (to reduce the "sourness"), I was intrigued. I made this in a slow cooker, rather than the oven-- since I was going out for a while.
We loved this! Not only is this a low-budget meal, that will feed a very hungry family-- we froze some of this for a later weeknight meal. I honestly believe that kids will love this dish, too! I will show you how to make this on my blog: http://foodiewife-kitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/transylvanian-goulash-trust-me-this.html

Ingredients

• 1 pound (drained weight) sauerkraut
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, miced
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut in 2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1/4 cup tomato puree or plain tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour

Preparation

Step 1

Wash sauerkraut under cold running water then soak in cold water for 20 minutes to reduce sourness. Strain well, pressing out excess water.

Note: I am a big fan of searing meat, because I think it gives sauces a deeper flavor. While the original recipe didn't say to do this-- I plan to sear the pork in some olive oil and then to continue with cooking the onion and garlic and carrying on with the rest of the steps.

Melt butter in a 5-quart casserole; add the onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until lightly colored, 6 to 8 minutes.

Add the garlic, season with salt and cook a minute or two longer.

Stir in paprika, pour in 1/2 cup of broth and bring to boil.

Add the pork cubes. Spread sauerkraut over pork sprinkle with caraway seeds. Combine tomato puree, tomato paste and reserved broth, in a small bowl. Mix well and pour over sauerkraut. Bring to a boil.

If using a crock-pot, transfer contents of casserole to crock-pot insert. Cover, and cook on high, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until pork is fork tender but still retains its shape.

If using a conventional oven, preheat to 250°F. Cover casserole and transfer to the oven. Cook, covered, for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until pork cubes are tender but still retain their shape.

When the pork is tender, transfer meat and sauerkraut to a serving platter with high sides. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Transfer the sauce to a 2-quart pan. Set over medium heat. Combine flour, heavy cream and sour cream in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Stir mixture into sauce and simmer for 10 minutes longer. Do not boil.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over meat and serve. Pass additional sour cream as a side.

Note:

I added 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to this recipe, which we thought gave the sauce deep depth of flavor. We also served this over creamy mashed potatoes. This freezes really well.