Zharkoye (Pork Stew)

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef or pork broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Season pork cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the pork on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. 2

   Add the onion and carrots to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and paprika and cook for 1 minute more.

3. 3

   Return the pork to the pot, add the broth and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the potatoes to the pot, cover, and continue simmering for 20-25 minutes until the pork and potatoes are tender.

5. 5

   Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh dill if using. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.