Belarus Machanka is a traditional Belarusian stew featuring tender pork simmered with onions, garlic, and a tangy sour cream sauce. This hearty dish is especially popular during the cold winter months and is typically served with boiled or mashed potatoes, making it a comforting meal for the family.
Machanka is a long-standing favorite in Belarusian cuisine, known for its simplicity and rich flavors. Traditionally enjoyed in the winter, it reflects the resourceful nature of Belarusian home cooking with its affordable ingredients and creamy, tangy sauce that distinguishes it from other pork stews.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 lbs pork shoulder or loin, cut into small pieces
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups water or broth
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the Pork: Heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Simmer the Pork: Return the pork to the pot, add 2 cups of water or broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the pork is fork-tender.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp flour with 1 cup of sour cream until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot, stirring well. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Serve the Machanka hot, with boiled or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes:
- Pork shoulder or loin are preferred for their tenderness, but other cuts of pork can also be used.
- Additional vegetables like carrots or celery can be included if desired.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more water or broth if necessary.
Nutrition Value:
1. Pork Shoulder or Loin
- Calories: 242 per 3.5 oz (100 g) serving
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 72 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (B12, B6, niacin)
- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Rich in B vitamins that support energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.
2. Onions
- Calories: 40 per 1 medium onion
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6, folate)
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are low in calories and provide vitamin C, which supports immune function, and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
3. Garlic
- Calories: 4 per clove
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B vitamins (B6, thiamine)
- Minerals: Manganese, calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic contains compounds that may boost the immune system and provide antimicrobial benefits. It is also known for its potential cardiovascular benefits.
4. Water or Broth
- Calories: 0 per cup (water); 12 per cup (broth)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g (water); 1 g (broth)
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg (water); 860 mg (broth, varies by brand)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Trace amounts (broth)
- Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydration. Broth adds flavor and can provide minerals depending on the type used.
5. Sour Cream
- Calories: 30 per 2 tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, B vitamins (B12, riboflavin)
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Sour cream adds creaminess and provides some essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
6. Flour
- Calories: 28 per 2 tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, niacin)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Flour is primarily a source of carbohydrates and provides small amounts of protein and minerals.
7. Salt and Pepper
- Salt:
- Calories: 0 per tsp
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2,300 mg per tsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for flavor and preservation, but excessive intake can lead to health issues.
- Pepper:
- Calories: 6 per tsp
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K, B vitamins (B6)
- Minerals: Iron, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and may aid digestion and metabolism.
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