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Leskovačka mućkalica

Leskovačka mućkalica (Лесковачка мућкалица): Serbian charred pork stewed with roasted peppers and hot paprika

Leskovac, in southern Serbia, is the country's grill capital, and its late-summer barbecue festival fills the main street with smoke; mućkalica is what the grill cooks make with meat that has spent time over the coals. Chunks of pork neck or shoulder are charred, then stewed with roasted peppers, onion, tomato and hot paprika until the sauce turns thick, glossy and fiery. This home version marinates the pork in the fridge and sears it on a griddle pan for that charred note. Serve straight from the pot with flatbread and a cucumber salad. The name comes from shaking the pan, and constant stirring is the usual mistake; swirl the pot instead so the pepper strips keep their shape. Chef's tip: char the peppers until black and blistered, then steam them in a covered bowl for 10 minutes and the skins slip off in seconds.
Total time
80 min
Difficulty
medium
Serves
4
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Ingredients

Serves4

For the pork

For the stew

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Fresh ingredients (8)

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Method

0/8 done
  1. Step 1: Toss the 1 ¾ lb boneless pork neck or shoulder with half the 2 tbsp sunflower oil, half the ¾ tsp salt, the 1 tsp black pepper and half the 1 tsp sweet paprika. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight, never on the counter.

    30 min
  2. Step 2: Char the 4 red romano or bell peppers and 2 hot green chillies under a hot grill or over a gas flame for 10–12 minutes, turning, until black and blistered. Steam in a covered bowl for 10 minutes, then peel, seed and cut into strips.

    12 min
  3. Step 3: Heat a griddle pan until very hot and sear the pork in batches for about 6 minutes, turning, until charred on all sides; it will not be cooked through yet. Don't crowd the pan. Wash hands and boards after handling raw pork.

    12 min
  4. Step 4: Heat the rest of the 2 tbsp sunflower oil in a heavy casserole over a medium heat and fry the 3 onions for 10 minutes, until soft and golden.

    10 min
  5. Step 5: Stir in the 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp tomato purée, the rest of the 1 tsp sweet paprika and the 1 tsp hot paprika for 1 minute, until fragrant.

    1 min
  6. Step 6: Add the pork and its juices, the 14 oz chopped tomatoes, ¾ cup water, 1 bay leaf and the rest of the ¾ tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook on a low heat for 35 minutes, shaking the pan now and then, until the pork is tender.

    35 min
  7. Step 7: Add the pepper and chilli strips and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Check the thickest chunk of pork with a thermometer: it should read at least 160°F and cut easily with a spoon.

    10 min
  8. Step 8: Rest for 5 minutes, remove the bay leaf and scatter with 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley.

    5 min

Nutrition per serving

Calories
520 kcal
Protein
40 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
32 g
Fibre
5 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does leskovačka mućkalica take?
About 80 minutes in total: 25 minutes to prepare and 55 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
Is it very spicy?
It has some heat. Use less chilli for a milder version, or more if you like it hot.
What can I use instead of sweet paprika?
Smoked paprika, half the amount.
What can I use instead of onions?
2 shallots per onion.

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