Nestled within the heart of Austrian culinary traditions, Bauernschmaus stands as a testament to the country's rich and diverse gastronomic heritage. Translated as "peasant's feast" in English, this hearty and flavorful meal reflects the simplicity and warmth of rural life, showcasing the essence of farm-fresh ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques.

As we embark on a gastronomic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Austria, let us delve into the rustic charm of Bauernschmaus. From its humble origins rooted in the countryside to its elevation as a beloved dish on Austrian tables, the Bauernschmaus encapsulates the spirit of communal dining and the celebration of locally sourced, seasonal fare. Join us as we unravel the layers of this traditional feast, exploring the savory delights that have made it a cherished part of Austria's culinary identity.

Ingredients:

For the Meat:

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced (such as Kielbasa or another smoked sausage of your choice)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Salt for boiling

For the Vegetables:

• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

2- Add the cubed pork shoulder and sliced smoked sausage. Sear the meat until browned on all sides.

3- Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are softened.

Cook the Potatoes:

1- In a separate pot, boil the peeled and cut potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.

2- Add shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, diced turnip, sliced leek, and chopped green beans. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.

Make the Sauce:

1- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, tomato paste, and a bit of the broth to form a smooth paste.

2- Gradually add the paste to the remaining broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3- Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Add caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Combine and Simmer:-

1- Combine the cooked meat, boiled potatoes, and sautéed vegetables in the large pot. Mix everything together.

2- Allow the Bauernschmaus to simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serve:

1- Once everything is well-cooked and the flavors have melded, serve the Bauernschmaus hot.

2- It can be accompanied by crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients. However, I can provide approximate values for the mentioned ingredients:

Nutritional Values (per serving, based on 4 servings):

For the Meat:

Pork Shoulder (1 lb):

• Calories: 1100 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits :

• High-quality protein source.
• Rich in essential vitamins, such as B vitamins (especially B12) and zinc.

Smoked Sausage (1 lb):

• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Protein: 56g
• Fat: 144g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits :

• Good source of protein.
• May provide essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.
• Flavorful addition to the dish.

For the Potatoes:

Potatoes (1.5 lbs):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 99g

Benefits :

• Excellent source of complex carbohydrates.
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

For the Vegetables:

Cabbage (1 small):

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 37g

Benefits :

• Low in calories and high in fiber.
• Rich in vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin K.
• Contains antioxidants that may have potential health benefits.

Carrots (2):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Benefits :

• Excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body.
• Contains antioxidants that support eye health.
• Provides dietary fiber.

Turnip (1):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits :

• Low in calories and a good source of fiber.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Leek (1):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits :

• Low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and K.
• Contains antioxidants and dietary fiber.

Green Beans (1 cup):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits :

• Low in calories and rich in fiber.
• Good source of vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin K.
• Provides essential minerals like manganese.

For the Sauce:

Butter (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits :

• Contains healthy saturated fats.
• Good source of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A.
• Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (2 cups):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits :

• Hydrating and provides a flavorful base for the dish.
• Can contribute to the overall liquid intake.
• May contain some essential minerals from the broth-making process.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g

Benefits :

• Adds texture and thickness to the sauce.
• Contains carbohydrates for energy.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits :

• Concentrated source of tomatoes, providing lycopene and other antioxidants.
• Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

Additional Ingredients:

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits :

• Source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Caraway Seeds (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits :

• Contains antioxidants and may have digestive benefits.
• Adds a distinct and aromatic flavor to the dish.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific product brands and preparation methods. It's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the packaging of the specific ingredients you use.