Afelia
Afelia is a traditional Cypriot dish that is popular among locals and visitors alike. This delicious pork dish is marinated in red wine and cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The rich flavors of the marinade perfectly complement the succulent pork, making it a favorite dish for meat lovers.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork, cut into chunks
- 2 cups red wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Recipe Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the red wine, minced garlic, coriander seeds, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the pork chunks to the marinade and ensure that they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. After marinating, remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later use.
4. In a large frying pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the pork chunks to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the reserved marinade and bring to a simmer. Return the browned pork to the pan and cook, covered, for about 1 hour or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
6. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Prepare Afelia:
Afelia is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but it does require some marinating time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious Cypriot pork dish:
1. Start by combining the red wine, minced garlic, coriander seeds, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Add the pork chunks to the marinade and ensure that they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
3. Once the pork has marinated, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. This will ensure that the pork browns properly when cooked.
4. Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the pork chunks to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. This will help to seal in the juices and give the pork a nice crust.
5. Remove the browned pork from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. This will create a rich and flavorful sauce for the pork.
6. Return the browned pork to the pan and cook, covered, for about 1 hour or until the pork is cooked through and tender. The long cooking time will ensure that the pork becomes meltingly tender and full of flavor.
7. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Preparation Time:
Afelia requires some marinating time, so it is best to prepare it ahead of time. The marinating time is at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The actual cooking time is about 1 hour.
Servings:
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional information for Afelia is as follows:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 35g
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add some diced onions and bell peppers to the marinade.
- Serve Afelia with a side of fluffy rice or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftover Afelia makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps. Simply shred the pork and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with your favorite condiments and vegetables.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this dish?
A: While pork is traditionally used for Afelia, you can also use chicken or beef if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Afelia?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Afelia for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I make Afelia in advance?
A: Yes, you can marinate the pork in advance and cook it when you’re ready. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Afelia is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for cold evenings. The tender and flavorful pork pairs perfectly with the rich red wine marinade, creating a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, Afelia is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Cyprus!
