Pork Stew / Styrisches Schweineres

This one-pot meal originated in the province of Styria, in the southeast. Since most Styrians work on farms or in vineyards, they like to eat heartily, and this stew satisfies their appetites.

2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely minced
2 stalks celery, washed and chopped
4 large pork ribs, about 2 lb.
dash salt, pepper, and paprika
2½ tbsp. flour
3 c. hot water
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 carrots, washed and cut into pieces
2 potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
1 small head white cabbage, washed and chopped
¼ c. sour cream mixed with 1 tbsp. milk

1. Heat the butter in a large pot and sauté onion, garlic, and celery until they are golden brown.
2. Put ribs in pot, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, and brown slightly on each side, pushing onions to side of pot.
3. Sprinkle mixture with flour and stir. Add water, bay leaf, and vinegar.
4. Cover pot, turn heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaf, stir in sour cream/milk mixture and more water if needed. Turn off heat, let mixture set for 5 minutes to blend flavors, then serve.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 1½ hours
Serves 4