This Creamy Pork Carbonade with Herbed Bulgur and Fresh Tomato Herb Salad is a delicious, hearty meal that combines tender pork in a creamy mushroom sauce with a flavorful side of bulgur and a refreshing salad. This recipe brings together elements from various cuisines, using Italian herbs, curry, and fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley for a vibrant, well-rounded dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering, this meal offers a balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Each component complements the others beautifully, making it both comforting and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Creamy Pork Carbonade

• 400g pork carbonade (sliced thinly)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 200ml broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 200ml heavy cream

For the Herbed Bulgur

• 1 cup bulgur
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)

For the Fresh Tomato Herb Salad

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 10-12 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh cilantro and dill, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 hot pepper, chopped (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Pork Carbonade

1. Cook the pork: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork carbonade slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the red onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are golden and softened.
3. Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring to coat. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring to combine and thicken the sauce. Add the Italian herbs and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cream and pork: Pour in the cream, stir well, and return the pork to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the pork to tenderize. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Herbed Bulgur

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the bell pepper and continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
2. Add the bulgur and spices: Stir in the bulgur and curry powder, coating the grains with the butter and spices for enhanced flavor.
3. Cook the bulgur: Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the bulgur with a fork and garnish with chopped green onion.

Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Herb Salad

1. Combine vegetables and herbs: In a large bowl, add the sliced red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs (cilantro, dill, and parsley). Add the chopped hot pepper if using.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, olive oil, and wine vinegar until well combined.
3. Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

• Arrange the creamy pork carbonade, herbed bulgur, and fresh tomato herb salad on plates. Garnish the pork with fresh parsley or additional Italian herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 8g
• Sodium: 700mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.

FAQ

1. Can I substitute the pork with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken breast or thighs for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh as a substitute.

2. Can I use other grains instead of bulgur?
Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, or even rice can work well in this dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version of the sauce.

4. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe includes a hot pepper, but it’s optional. Adjust the spice level by using mild peppers or omitting them entirely.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare each component in advance. Store them separately and reheat before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Pork Carbonade

1. Slice the pork thinly: Thin slices ensure even cooking and tenderness.
2. Don’t skip the flour: The flour helps thicken the sauce and creates a creamy consistency without lumps.
3. Cook bulgur with aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic with bulgur infuses a deeper flavor and makes a tasty side dish.
4. Add fresh herbs to taste: The fresh herbs in the salad add brightness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
5. Use a high-quality broth: The flavor of the sauce depends greatly on the quality of broth used, so opt for a rich, flavorful broth or homemade if possible.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store each component separately in airtight containers. The pork carbonade and bulgur will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, while the salad is best eaten fresh, though it can last up to 2 days.

Freezer: The creamy pork carbonade can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. The bulgur is also freezer-friendly for up to 1 month. It’s best to make the salad fresh.

Reheating Tips: Reheat the pork and bulgur on the stovetop for best results. Add a bit of water or broth to keep them moist. The salad can be served cold, or the vegetables can be tossed in fresh dressing if needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pork Carbonade with Herbed Bulgur and Fresh Tomato Herb Salad is an exquisite combination of flavors, textures, and warmth. The tender, juicy pork in its creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the aromatic bulgur and the crisp, refreshing salad. It’s a versatile recipe suitable for family dinners or special occasions and can be adapted with different herbs or grains to suit your preferences. Whether you’re savoring this with friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, each bite is sure to delight. With easy-to-follow steps, this dish makes a comforting, flavorful meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!