Polish Style Beef Stroganoff (Bef Strogonow)
Polish Style Beef Stroganoff is a hearty, flavorful dish, perfect for warming up during colder months. While it shares its origins with the classic Russian dish, the Polish version has unique touches, such as the addition of pickles and a slightly richer, more flavorful sauce.
Today, let me share a recipe for a delicious Polish Strogonow, made with beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pickles, all cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato-based sauce. This dish is a favorite at Polish gatherings, offering comfort and bold flavors.
A Taste of Comfort Food
Although Beef Stroganoff is associated with Russia, Poland has embraced and adapted it to suit local tastes. The Polish version is thicker, slightly tangy due to the pickles, and has a depth of flavor from the combination of mustard, paprika, and sour cream.
Try also some other comfort food dishes: Polish comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) beef (sirloin, top round, or tenderloin)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 200g (7 oz) button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 3 dill pickle cucumbers, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ tsp hot paprika
- 1 tbsp Polish sarepska mustard (or spicy brown mustard)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 100ml (⅓ cup) sour cream (18% fat or higher)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips, finely chop the onion, slice the mushrooms, cut the bell pepper into strips, and the pickles into thin slices.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a pan over high heat. Sear the beef quickly until browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining butter, then sauté the onions until soft. Add mushrooms and bell pepper, and cook until tender.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in both paprikas, mustard, and tomato paste, mixing well.
- Sauté the Pickles: Add the dill pickled cucumbers to the pan and sauté for an additional minute, allowing them to release their flavors.
- Simmer: Return the beef to the pan, pour in the broth, and let everything simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, until the beef is tender.
- Finish with Sour Cream: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour and a bit of hot sauce from the pan. Gradually stir it into the dish, allowing the sauce to thicken. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buckwheat groats for an authentic Polish experience.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce, combined with spices and pickles, makes for a deeply satisfying dish.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of mustard, paprika, and pickles gives this dish a tangy, slightly smoky kick.
- A beef Classic: If you want to taste an authentic Polish version of Stroganoff, this is the recipe to try!
Questions?
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While beef is traditional, you can substitute it with pork or even chicken for a lighter version.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
3. What’s the best side dish to serve with Polish Strogonow?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buckwheat groats.
4. Is this dish very spicy?
Not really. The slight heat comes from the hot paprika, but you can adjust it to your taste.
Final touch
If you’re looking to bring a taste of Poland into your home, this Polish-style Stroganoff is a fantastic choice. It’s rich, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you have Polish roots or simply enjoy discovering European flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table. Smacznego! Enjoy your meal!
If you liked my posts and tried my recipes, you can consider buying me a coffee. Or rather I should say: you can buy me a flour for Pierogi, cabbage for Gołąbki and beets for Barszcz:) This would help me to cook more and publish more delicious recipes for You. www.buymeacoffee.com/cookinpolish.
Comment on the post if you have questions, other ideas on the recipe or just enjoyed reading. I would be happy to see your thoughts on my posts! Do you have your favorite recipe for beef?
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