Bitki and Mushroom Sauce

Traditional Polish Braised Pork Cutlets with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Polish cuisine is full of comforting, hearty dishes that highlight simple yet rich flavors. One such classic is Bitki Wieprzowe—tender braised pork cutlets, slowly cooked to perfection and served with a creamy mushroom sauce made from dried wild mushrooms. Bitki and Mushroom Sauce is a true taste of traditional Polish home cooking, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s best served with millet groats, other types of groats, or creamy mashed potatoes.

A Taste of Polish Comfort Food

Polish home-cooked meals often include slowly braised meats, rich sauces, and hearty sides. Pork is one of the most commonly used meats in Poland, and this dish showcases how well it pairs with earthy mushrooms and a creamy sauce. The long, slow cooking process ensures the meat is tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Pork Cutlets:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) pork ham (or pork loin), sliced into thin cutlets
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying
• 1 cup broth (vegetable or pork)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp sweet paprika (optional)

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 30g (1 oz) dried wild mushrooms (such as porcini or boletus)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup broth (from soaking the mushrooms)
• 100ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream (18% or higher fat content)
• 1 tsp flour (for thickening, optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Pork Cutlets:

1. Tenderize the Meat: Pound the pork cutlets lightly with a meat mallet to make them tender.
2. Season and Coat: Season the meat with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika (if using). Lightly coat each cutlet with flour.
3. Sear the Meat: In a large pan, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Sear the pork cutlets until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Onion: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and slightly golden.
5. Simmer: Return the pork cutlets to the pan, pour in the broth, cover, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, until the meat is tender.

Preparing the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

1. Soak the Mushrooms: Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, drain and chop them, reserving the soaking liquid.
2. Sauté the Onion: In a pan, heat the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft.
3. Add Mushrooms: Add the soaked, chopped mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
4. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the reserved mushroom soaking liquid and broth, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If needed, mix 1 tsp of flour with a bit of cold water and stir it in to thicken the sauce.

Serving:

1. Serve the braised pork cutlets with a generous amount of creamy mushroom sauce.
2. Pair with millet groats, buckwheat groats, or mashed potatoes for a classic Polish meal.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Rich and Satisfying: The tender pork, combined with the creamy mushroom sauce, creates a dish full of depth and warmth.
• Authentic Polish Comfort Food: This is a beloved traditional dish that brings the flavors of Polish home cooking to your table.
• Versatile Side Options: Whether you prefer millet groats, buckwheat, or mashed potatoes, this meal can be customized to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?
Yes, but dried mushrooms provide a much richer flavor. If using fresh mushrooms, consider adding a bit of mushroom broth or bouillon for extra depth.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen when left to rest, making it even better the next day.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, the pork cutlets and sauce freeze well. Store in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Touch

If you’re looking for a comforting, traditional Polish meal, Bitki and Mushroom Sauce is an excellent choice. Whether you’re exploring Polish cuisine for the first time or reconnecting with your culinary roots, this dish will transport you straight to a Polish kitchen. Smacznego! Enjoy your meal!

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