Pork Rolls, is a traditional Eastern European dish that combines succulent pork, savory mushrooms, and creamy cheese in a beautifully rolled and seared format. Originating from Ukraine, Kрученики has been enjoyed for generations as a comforting and filling meal. This dish embodies the warmth and heartiness of Slavic cuisine, with tender pork rolled around a flavorful filling of mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese. Once browned, the rolls are slowly simmered in a luscious sauce made of milk, sour cream, and mustard, infusing them with rich flavors and a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Pork Rolls is loved for its simplicity and robust flavors, showcasing how a few carefully chosen ingredients can come together to create a memorable dish. It’s an ideal meal for a cozy dinner at home and is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve these savory pork rolls with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or fresh bread to soak up the creamy sauce, and enjoy a traditional taste of Ukraine that will warm your soul.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pork Rolls:
- 700g pork (cutlets or chops), pounded thin
- 300g mushrooms (such as button or cremini), finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 100g cheese, grated (such as mozzarella or gouda)
- 5g salt
- 4g ground black pepper
- 50ml oil for frying (sunflower or vegetable oil)
For the Sauce:
- 200ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~550 kcal
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Slice the pork into thin cutlets, around 1 cm thick. Use a meat mallet to pound each piece to a thickness of about 0.5 cm, creating a tender and thin base for rolling.
- Season the pork with salt and pepper on both sides, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling 3. In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. 4. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until golden and most of the moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat. 5. Let the mushroom mixture cool slightly, then mix in the grated cheese. This will be the filling for the pork rolls.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls 6. Lay each pork cutlet flat and place a spoonful of the mushroom-cheese filling in the center. Roll the pork around the filling tightly, securing with a toothpick if necessary to hold the roll in place.
Step 4: Brown the Rolls 7. In a large skillet, heat 50ml of oil over medium-high heat. Place the pork rolls in the skillet and sear them on all sides until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. 8. Once all the rolls are browned, transfer them to a plate temporarily while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Sauce 9. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the milk, sour cream, mustard, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. 10. Once the sauce is mixed, return the pork rolls to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each roll.
Step 6: Simmer the Rolls 11. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the rolls over low heat for 20-30 minutes. This will allow the pork to become tender and infuse with the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve 12. Carefully remove the toothpicks from each roll before serving. Place the rolls on a serving platter and spoon additional sauce over them. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your choice of sides.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
Pork Rolls is a cherished dish in Ukraine and surrounding regions because of its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors. This recipe has remained popular over the years due to its versatility; pork, mushrooms, and cheese are easy to find, and the rolls can be adapted to use chicken or beef instead. Additionally, the creamy sauce adds a sophisticated touch, blending tanginess from sour cream and a hint of spice from mustard. It’s a timeless recipe that reminds people of home and brings a sense of tradition and warmth to the table.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 2% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken or beef if preferred. Just be sure to pound the meat thin to make it easy to roll.
2. Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or heavy cream as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the taste and thickness of the sauce.
3. Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the rolls and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before cooking. This can be helpful for dinner prep.
4. What cheese works best in this recipe?
A mild cheese that melts well, like mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar, is ideal. Avoid using very strong cheeses, as they may overpower the other flavors.
Tips for Making Perfect Pork Rolls
- Thinly Pound the Meat: Pounding the pork to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough filling to allow you to roll the pork securely. Too much filling can make it hard to keep the rolls closed.
- Seal the Rolls with Toothpicks: If needed, use toothpicks to keep the rolls intact during cooking, and remove them before serving.
- Cook Slowly for Tender Meat: After browning, simmering the rolls in sauce over low heat will make the pork tender and flavorful.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For added aroma, garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or chives just before serving.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pork Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of sauce to prevent the pork from drying out.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, uncooked rolls. Place them on a tray until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.
Conclusion
Pork Rolls, are a beautiful representation of Eastern European culinary tradition. This dish combines the delicate flavors of pork, mushrooms, and cheese, all wrapped in a roll and simmered in a rich sauce that adds creaminess and tang. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.
This recipe is versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, bringing together loved ones over a warm, satisfying meal. Each bite of Kрученики offers a taste of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, with flavors that evoke memories of family gatherings and festive tables. With its combination of simple ingredients and traditional techniques, Pork Rolls is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this timeless dish and create new memories with every roll!