This stew has a classic combination of comforting flavors. Smokey ham hocks and peas mix with hearty potatoes and fresh dill in a sweet tomato base.
Course Soup
Cuisine Balkan, European, Romanian
Keyword Pork, Stew
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 50 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 399kcal
Ingredients
800gramspotatoescubed
2yellow onionssmall to medium sized, diced finely
350 gramssmoked ham hocks
1.5cupsgreen peas
400gramscrushed tomatoesapprox. one small can or tetrapack
1tablespoontomato paste
2tablespoonsvegetable oil
0.5cupfresh dill
4 tablespoonsfresh parsley
3tablespoonsfresh thymeabout 8-10 threads tied into a bundle
1.5teaspoonssalt
1tablespoonsmoked paprika
2teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoonblack pepper
0.5teaspoonwhite pepper
1literwateror 1.5 liters / 6 cups
Instructions
Dice the onions finely and cut the potatoes into small cubes (2cm/1inch max across).
Sauté the onions and potatoes in the oil over medium-high heat for a few minutes until the onions are aromatic.
Add all the dry seasoning and mix to coat evenly.
Add 500 ml / 2 cups water to the pot and cover for 10 or so minutes over medium-high heat until the potatoes are fork tender.
Uncover and check if potatoes are fork tender. If not, cover and cook another 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and peas. Mix until well combined. Add the meat and a bundle of fresh thyme on top. Push them gently down into the liquid.
Cover and cook in the oven at 200 C / 400 F for about 30 minutes or alternatively on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 35 minutes.
Check half way through, stir and make sure there's still enough liquid (everything isn't clumping together or sticking to the pot). If not enough liquid, stir in another half cup or so to make a stew consistency again.
While the stew is cooking, wash and dice up the parsley and dill.
When the stew is finished shred the meat and remove any bones. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill, saving a few pinches for garnish if you like.