Friptură de Porc cu Prune
The Quirky Foodster Team

Ingredients
- Pork shoulder, cut into pieces — 800 g (1.75 lb)
- Plums, pitted and halved — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
- Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp
- Honey — 2 tbsp
- Red wine — 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the pork pieces on all sides.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the cinnamon, honey and wine, then bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 1–1.25 hours until the pork is nearly tender.
- Add the plum halves and continue simmering, uncovered, for a further 20–25 minutes until the plums have softened and the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Introduction: Tender pork braised with sweet-tart plums, a dish that showcases Moldova’s status as one of the region’s most important plum and wine-growing countries.
Cultural Background: Moldova’s fertile orchards produce plums in great abundance, and pairing them with pork is a well-loved way this fruit finds its way into savoury cooking, especially during the late summer and autumn harvest.
Tips: Add the plums later in cooking so they soften without disintegrating completely. Use slightly firm plums that hold their shape better during braising.
Variations: Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves to the braising liquid for extra warmth. Serve with mămăligă or roasted potatoes.
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.): 420 kcal, 26 g protein, 24 g fat, 20 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use dried plums instead of fresh?
A: Fresh plums give the best texture and brightness,
Q: What wine works best for this dish?
A: A good Moldovan red wine is traditional, though any
- Pork shoulder, cut into pieces — 800 g (1.75 lb)
- Plums, pitted and halved — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Onion, chopped — 1
- Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
- Ground cinnamon — 1 tsp
- Honey — 2 tbsp
- Red wine — 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste

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