Unveiling the Secret: A Delicious German Meat Dish You’ve Never Tried Before
This recipe isn’t your average meat dish. It hails from Germany and boasts a unique secret ingredient that promises to leave your taste buds singing. While the title claims “no one has done anything like this before,” the truth is likely that the method is a twist on a traditional German dish. Regardless, the combination of flavors and the unique prep method are sure to turn heads at your next dinner party.
The Secret Weapon: Ice
The secret weapon in this recipe is ice. Yes, you read that right! By submerging the pork chops in a brine of ice water for 30 minutes, you achieve incredibly tender and juicy meat. The ice bath helps slow down the cooking process, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and preventing the meat from drying out.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
For the Brine:
- 300 g (11 oz) ice
- 2 L (68 fl oz) water
- 1 kg (2.2 lb) pork chops
- 8 g (0.3 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 70 g (2.5 oz) mustard seeds
For the Stew:
- 300 g (11 oz) onion, thinly sliced
- 200 g (7.1 oz) smoked bacon, diced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) pickled cucumbers, diced
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) olive oil
- 10 g (0.4 oz) salt
- 10 g (0.4 oz) black pepper
- 10 g (0.4 oz) granulated garlic
- 10 g (0.4 oz) sweet paprika
- 300 g (11 oz) cabbage, shredded
- 6 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 60 g (2.1 oz) onion, diced (for garnish)
- 60 g (2.1 oz) smoked bacon, diced (for garnish)
Additional Seasonings:
- 5 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 5 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 30 ml (1 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 6 g (0.2 oz) salt
- 6 g (0.2 oz) black pepper
- 30 ml (1 fl oz) olive oil
- 6 g (0.2 oz) basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine ice, water, salt, pepper, and mustard seeds. Stir well to dissolve the salt. Add the pork chops and ensure they are submerged completely. Let them sit for 30 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the pork chops are brining, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Sear them in the same pot with the onions over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Assemble the Stew: Add the smoked bacon, pickled cucumbers, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and Bake: Pour enough water or broth into the pot to just cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Potatoes and Garnish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the potatoes with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
- Finish the Stew: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the garnish by sautéing the diced onion and bacon in a separate pan until softened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage is tender, remove the stew from the heat. Serve hot with the baked potatoes, garnished with the sautéed onion and bacon.
This unique recipe is sure to impress your guests with its tender meat, flavorful broth, and unexpected combination of ingredients. So, ditch the ordinary and give this German secret a try!