PorkPolish

Pork Rib Bortsch

Name: Pork Rib Bortsch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 1kg Pork Back Ribs; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 tablespoon Dried white beans; 1 large Carrots; 1 sliced Onion; 3 sliced thinly Garlic Clove; 1 chopped Red Pepper; 2 chopped Red Chilli; 2 Beetroot; 3 chopped Potatoes; 3 tablespoons Tomato Puree; 1/2 White Cabbage; Handful Parsley; Handful Dill; 300g Sour Cream

Pork Rib Bortsch is a classic Polish dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Pork Back Ribs, Bay Leaves, Dried white beans, Carrots, Onion, Garlic Clove, Red Pepper, Red Chilli, Beetroot, Potatoes, Tomato Puree, White Cabbage, Parsley, Dill and Sour Cream, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Polish cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Bigos (Hunters Stew).

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Ingredients

Pork Back Ribs1kg
Bay Leaves2
Dried white beans1 tablespoon
Carrots1 large
Onion1 sliced
Garlic Clove3 sliced thinly
Red Pepper1 chopped
Red Chilli2 chopped
Beetroot2
Potatoes3 chopped
Tomato Puree3 tablespoons
White Cabbage1/2
ParsleyHandful
DillHandful
Sour Cream300g

Step-by-Step Instructions

17 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Cut the meat into large pieces, put in your largest saucepan and cover with 5 litres water.

Step 2♨️ Boil

Bring to the boil over a high heat, skimming away any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 3

Add the bay leaves.

Step 4

Season.

Step 5🍲 Simmer⏱️ 1 hr

Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 1 hr, or until the meat is soft and falls off the bone.

Step 6

Add the beans if using dried.

Step 7

Turn the heat up.

Step 8♨️ Boil⏱️ 20 mins

Bring back to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for another 20 mins – the beans should still be slightly raw.

Step 9

Add the carrots, onions, garlic and pepper.

Step 10🥄 Mix

Stir well, then add the chillies, if using.

Step 11⏱️ 15 mins

Cook for 15 mins more.

Step 12🥄 Mix⏱️ 10 mins

Stir in the beetroot and cook for 10 mins before adding the potatoes.

Step 13♨️ Boil⏱️ 15 mins

After 15 mins, add the tomato purée to taste and beans, if using canned, and bring to the boil.

Step 14⏱️ 5 mins

Cook for 5 mins, add the cabbage and cook for 5 mins more.

Step 15✨ Serve

Season, then garnish with the parsley and dill.

Step 16⏱️ 5 mins

Turn off the heat and leave to stand for 5 mins.

Step 17✨ Serve

Serve with soured cream on the side.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Pork Rib Bortsch carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.

Chef Technique Tips

Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown pork back ribs in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.

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