Tocană de Cartofi cu Carne
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Pork, cut into chunks — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Potatoes, cubed — 4
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped, or 2 tbsp tomato paste — 2
- Carrot, sliced — 1
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf — 1
- Water — 3 cups (720 ml / 24 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Chopped dill, to garnish
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the pork pieces on all sides.
- Add the onion and carrot, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste or chopped tomatoes, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Add the water and bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 40 minutes until the meat is nearly tender.
- Add the cubed potatoes and continue simmering for a further 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped dill before serving.
Introduction: A comforting stew of potatoes and pork simmered in a light tomato broth, a common midday meal across Moldovan households.
Cultural Background: Tocană reflects the simple, produce-driven cooking found throughout Moldova, using pork, potatoes and whatever vegetables are on hand to create a filling family lunch with minimal fuss.
Tips: Cut the potatoes into even-sized cubes so they cook uniformly. Simmer the meat until nearly tender before adding the potatoes, so neither overcooks.
Variations: Use beef in place of pork. Add a handful of green beans for extra vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 380 kcal, 22 g protein, 18 g fat, 32 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: Can this stew be made in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a
Q: Is tocană similar to goulash?
A: It shares some similarities as a meat and vegetable stew, though
- Pork, cut into chunks — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Potatoes, cubed — 4
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped, or 2 tbsp tomato paste — 2
- Carrot, sliced — 1
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf — 1
- Water — 3 cups (720 ml / 24 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Chopped dill, to garnish
Please log in to leave a comment.