Entree: Belarus – Смаженка ➤ Smazhenka (Hearty Belarusian skillet of fried pork with onions and mushrooms in a light savory gravy)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 30 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced (about 12 oz / 340 g)
- 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh dill or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1.5 lb (680 g) potatoes, peeled and boiled for serving

Instructions

1. Pat the pork cubes dry and season with 1/2 tsp (2 g) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) pepper. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the pork in batches until well caramelized, about 6–8 minutes per batch. Transfer browned pork to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and 2 tbsp (30 g) butter to the skillet. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 8–10 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp (16 g) flour over the vegetables, stir to coat, and cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 cup (240 ml) broth while stirring to form a smooth sauce.
4. Return the browned pork and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add 1 bay leaf, cover, and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until pork is tender and sauce has thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper.
5. Meanwhile, boil peeled potatoes in salted water until tender, drain, and keep warm. Remove bay leaf from the skillet, sprinkle with chopped dill or parsley, and serve the smazhenka hot over or alongside boiled potatoes.