Authentic German Farmer's Stew Recipe for Comforting Homemade Meals

A firm favourite in Germany, Bauerntopf, which translates to Farmer's Pot, is a hearty, one-pot meal that combines delicious ingredients favoured by the country's farmers. The dish's roots date back to when farmers needed filling and nutritious meals that could be easily cooked in one pot over an open fire. Traditionally packed with pork, potatoes, carrots, onions, and leek, this comforting stew is perfect for any time of year, especially during colder months.

Ingredients:

500 grams of ground pork
500 grams of potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
1 leek, cleaned and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) beef broth
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Preparation:

Prepare the Base: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until it is browned. Remove the meat from the pot and set it to one side. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced leek, diced carrots, and diced bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the browned pork, diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve and Garnish: Once the stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with a little extra paprika or some fresh parsley for color. You may also like to serve Bauerntopf with a side of crusty German bread for dipping. Enjoy your hearty Bauerntopf while it's hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tip:

Bauerntopf, like many stews, improves in flavour if left to sit for a day or two. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal later in the week. You can also vary the vegetables according to what you have on hand; peas, celery, and corn are all lovely additions. For vegetarians, substitute the pork with a meat substitute or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This recipe is versatile and adaptable, so feel free to experiment!