Mućkalica
Mućkalica is a traditional Serbian dish, a savory stew with pork and vegetables such as bell peppers and onions. This flavorful dish is slow-cooked so that the flavours blend well together and is wonderfully warming. It is often served with rice, coleslaw, or bread and is a true Balkan classic. I would like to sincerely thank Blazenka and Dule from Restaurant Balkan in Hengelo for generously.
Servings servings
Ingredients
- 800 g pork fillet (in cubes)
- 2 onions (in large cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (in large strips)
- 1 white pointed pepper (in large strips)
- 6 pickles (finely chopped)
- 400 g mushrooms
- 3 tsp vegeta
- 1 tsp white pepper powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp curry ketchup
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 100 ml cooking cream
- 1 tbsp water
- olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut 2 onions into large cubes. Cut 1 red bell pepper and 1 white pointed pepper into strips. Finely chop 6 pickles. Brush 400 g mushrooms clean and cut them in half or into slices.
- Cut 800 g pork fillet into cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pan until the bottom is lightly covered. Fry 2 onions, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 white pointed pepper for 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Add 400 g mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add the chopped meat and fry it all around until browned and just cooked through. Stir in3 tsp vegeta, 1 tsp white pepper powder, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp dried parsley, 2 tsp dried dill, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle 1.5 tsp sugar over everything and mix well.
- Stir the finely chopped pickles, 2 tbsp curry ketchup and 3 tbsp ketchup into the mixture. Deglaze with 1 tbsp water and let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. This ensures the flavours meld together well.
- Pour in the 100 ml cooking cream and heat for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
To serve
- Serve the mućkalica immediately with cabbage salad and crusty bread, or serve it with djuvec rice.
Notes
The recipe uses Vegeta, a Serbian seasoning. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with a mix of 1 teaspoon mild bouillon powder and a pinch of salt.
Mućkalica is traditionally served with coleslaw and crusty bread. Another delicious combination is with cooked rice, and extra pickles on top make it complete.
Want a little extra kick? Stir a pinch of chilli flakes into the sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 47gFat: 17gSaturated fat: 8gCholesterol: 158mgSugars: 9g
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!
Smoky Balkan warmth on your dining table
my pick
this week
Mućkalica is the Serbian stew that starts with grilled peppers and slowly cooked meat, giving the sauce a deep and rounded flavour. The combination of soft onion, sweet pepper, and subtle smoky notes gives Mućkalica its recognizable heartiness, carried by that one smoky pepper.
