Name: Ukrainian Pork Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 800g pork shoulder or stew meat, cut into chunks; 2 tbsp sunflower oil (or vegetable oil); 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 400g canned crushed tomatoes; 200ml water or broth; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 bay leaves; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Ukrainian Pork Stew, or Тушкована Свинина, is a rustic, slow-simmered dish featuring tender pork chunks in a savory tomato-based sauce with sweet carrots, soft onions, and fragrant garlic. Served traditionally over mashed potatoes, this stew is a beloved staple of Ukrainian kitchens, offering warmth, comfort, and rich flavor with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hearty one-pot dish is perfect for cool evenings or family dinners. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the simple ingredients create a complex, comforting flavor. It’s a meal rooted in tradition yet easy to adapt, making it a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire. The sauce is naturally thick and full-bodied—ideal for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or buckwheat.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

800g pork shoulder or stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tbsp sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
400g canned crushed tomatoes
200ml water or broth
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Brown the Pork:
Heat the sunflower oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the pork chunks and brown on all sides for 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until translucent.
Add diced carrots and minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Build the Base:
Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until the mixture is aromatic.
Simmer the Stew:
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes and water or broth.
Season with salt and pepper, and add bay leaves.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

With Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes directly into the stew 30 minutes before the end of cooking for a one-pot meal.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced hot pepper for heat.
Mushroom Add-In: Stir in sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth.
Creamy Twist: Add a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Slow Cooker: Brown the pork and vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

storage/reheating

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What cut of pork is best for stew?

Pork shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and ability to become tender when slow-cooked. Stew meat from the leg or butt also works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently.

Is this dish traditionally served with mashed potatoes?

Yes, mashed potatoes are the most common side, but rice, buckwheat, or crusty bread also complement it well.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you may need to simmer longer to reduce excess liquid and intensify flavor.

Do I need to use paprika?

Paprika adds color and mild spice but can be omitted or substituted with smoked paprika for depth.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, after assembling, cover the pot and cook in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 1.5 hours.

What’s the difference between Ukrainian and Hungarian pork stew?

Hungarian stews typically use more paprika and sometimes sour cream, while Ukrainian versions are more tomato-forward and simpler in spice.

Can I use beef instead of pork?

Yes, beef chuck is a good substitute, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time to tenderize.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and tomato paste are labeled as gluten-free if necessary.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pork but still spoonable—similar to a hearty ragu.

Conclusion

Ukrainian Pork Stew (Тушкована Свинина) is a soul-warming dish that brings together simple ingredients in a deeply satisfying way. With its tender pork, rich tomato base, and rustic flavors, it’s a perfect example of Ukrainian comfort food. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive family meal, this stew delivers both tradition and taste in every spoonful.

Ukrainian Pork Stew

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This Ukrainian pork stew (Тушкована Свинина) features tender pork chunks simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and carrots—comforting, hearty, and perfect served over mashed potatoes or grains.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stewing
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown pork pieces on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and carrots; cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return pork to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, water or broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1 to 1.5 hours until pork is tender.
Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or rice.