Vereshchaka (Belarusian Kvass/Beer-Braised Ribs & Sausage with Caraway) – Authentic Belarus Recipe

Ingredients for Vereshchaka (Belarusian Kvass/Beer-Braised Ribs & Sausage with Caraway) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) seared pork ribs or loin and artisan sausage, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups caramelized onions, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with malt broth/dark beer
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Belarus seasoning (toasted caraway seeds, garlic, bay leaf, sour cream)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown seared pork ribs or loin and artisan sausage for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, malt broth/dark beer, and toasted caraway seeds, garlic, bay leaf, sour cream, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add caramelized onions and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in mashed potatoes right before serving warm.