Indulge in the hearty flavors of Czech cuisine with Vepřo knedlo zelo, a beloved national dish that encapsulates the essence of Czech Republic's culinary heritage. This traditional meal features succulent roast pork (Vepřové maso) served alongside fluffy bread dumplings (knedlíky) and tangy sauerkraut (zelí). The tender pork is seasoned to perfection, complemented by the soft texture of the dumplings and the vibrant acidity of the sauerkraut. Whether enjoyed at a local tavern or prepared at home, Vepřo knedlo zelo offers a comforting and satisfying taste of Czech gastronomy.

Here's a recipe for Vepřo knedlo zelo, Czech Republic's classic roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut:

Ingredients:

For the roast pork:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork shoulder or pork loin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For the bread dumplings (knedlíky):

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 250ml (1 cup) milk
• 4 slices of stale bread, diced

For the sauerkraut (zelí):

• 500g (1 lb) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Roast Pork:

1- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

2- Season the pork shoulder or loin with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, rubbing the seasoning all over the meat.

3- Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown.

4- Add sliced onion to the pan and cook until softened.

5- Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pan. Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.

6- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through. Baste occasionally with the pan juices.

Make the Bread Dumplings:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.

2- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

3- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture, and stir until well combined.

4- Fold in the diced stale bread until evenly distributed.

5- Form the dough into a log shape and wrap tightly in aluminum foil.

6- Place the foil-wrapped dough into a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the dumpling is cooked through.

7- Once cooked, unwrap the dumpling, slice it into thick rounds, and keep warm.

Prepare the Sauerkraut:

1- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

3- Stir in drained and rinsed sauerkraut, sugar, and caraway seeds. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauerkraut is tender.

4- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

1- Slice the roast pork and serve alongside the sliced bread dumplings and sauerkraut.

2- Enjoy your Vepřo knedlo zelo hot, with some extra broth from the roast pork if desired.

This recipe will surely bring the authentic flavors of Czech cuisine to your table!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for recipes can vary based on factors such as specific brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. However, here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the Vepřo knedlo zelo recipe:

Roast Pork (per 100g serving):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 60mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, necessary for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
• Provides essential amino acids that support overall health and immune function.

Bread Dumplings (per serving, approximately 1 dumpling):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities.
• Contains some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Provides small amounts of protein and essential nutrients found in wheat flour and bread.

Sauerkraut (per 100g serving):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods (e.g., roasting pork with or without added oil), specific brands of ingredients, and serving sizes. It's also important to consider any additional ingredients or condiments used in the recipe, as they can contribute to the overall nutritional content. If you have specific dietary concerns or are tracking your nutritional intake, it's advisable to calculate the values based on the exact ingredients and quantities you use.