Bekri Meze, also known as “Drunken Pork Stew,” is a rich and flavorful Greek dish made with tender chunks of pork, tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic spices. This savory stew gets its name from the wine and the comforting warmth of the flavors, making it a perfect dish to serve with a side of bread, rice, or potatoes. It’s a great appetizer or meze, and pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 400 grams (14 oz) boneless pork shoulder or neck, cut into 3 cm (1 inch) pieces

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 small red onion (65 grams), minced

• 2 whole garlic cloves (unpeeled)

• ⅓ cup sweet red wine

• ⅓ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

• 3 teaspoons tomato paste

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (plus extra to sprinkle on top)

• 60 grams (2 oz) Gruyere or Kefalotyri cheese, diced into 1 cm pieces

• Sweet or hot red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat: Pat the pork pieces dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Rub the seasonings evenly around the pork. Let the pork marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat. Add the pork and sear until well-browned on all sides. This will add rich flavor to the stew.

3. Cook the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced onion to the pan. Stir constantly for about a minute. Then add the wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it until caramelized, about 2 minutes, to deepen the flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano, and garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of boiling water, bring to a simmer, and cook partially covered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens. Add more water if necessary.

6. Finish with Cheese: Once the meat is tender, stir in the cheese pieces, cover, and let it melt into the sauce for 2 minutes.

7. Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and extra oregano. Serve hot with bread, rice, or potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 710 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Protein: 44g

• Fat: 52g

  • Saturated Fat: 21g

• Sodium: 405mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 753 IU

• Vitamin C: 8mg

• Calcium: 376mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Origin and Significance of Bekri Meze in Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine has a long and storied tradition of hearty stews and slow-cooked dishes. Bekri Meze fits seamlessly into this category, combining rustic ingredients with regional Greek flavors. Meze refers to small appetizers or side dishes typically served in Greece to complement drinks, especially wine or ouzo. Bekri Meze has earned its reputation not only as a delicious dish but also as a dish that pairs wonderfully with a glass of Greek wine, enhancing the overall experience.

The use of pork in Bekri Meze dates back centuries. Pork is one of the most commonly consumed meats in Greek cuisine, particularly in rural areas where it is easily raised. The slow-cooking method allows the pork to become tender, while the wine and spices deepen the flavor, making this dish both a comfort food and a conversation starter.

The Role of Red Wine in Bekri Meze

One of the most distinctive features of Bekri Meze is the use of red wine, which is poured into the stew during the cooking process. The wine serves not only as a flavor enhancer but also contributes to the dish’s tender texture. As the pork simmers, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the rich, full-bodied flavors of the wine. It creates a perfect balance between the savory pork and the sweet, slightly acidic tomato base.

The wine used in Bekri Meze is typically a sweet red wine, which complements the spices and tomato perfectly. This makes the dish both rich and slightly tangy, with a depth that comes from the long, slow simmer. For those wanting to elevate the dish even further, using a local Greek wine like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro can infuse a unique regional flavor into the stew.

The Essential Spices and Aromatics of Bekri Meze

The aromatic profile of Bekri Meze is another key element that defines the dish. The combination of garlic, onion, oregano, and cumin creates a harmonious blend of flavors that complement the rich pork and wine. Garlic and onion are often used as the foundational aromatics in Greek stews, providing a savory base to build upon. The use of cumin, a spice with a slightly earthy, warm flavor, adds a touch of depth and complexity to the dish.

Paprika is another important ingredient in Bekri Meze, contributing both color and a subtle smoky flavor. Smoked paprika is often preferred for its ability to enhance the overall richness of the stew. The combination of these spices, along with the slow simmering process, ensures that the pork absorbs every bit of flavor from the seasonings and the wine, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish.

The Importance of Slow Cooking in Bekri Meze

Slow cooking is the backbone of many Greek stews, and Bekri Meze is no exception. The process of searing the pork first helps lock in the flavors, creating a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. After searing, the addition of wine, tomatoes, and spices allows the dish to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld together and develop over time.

This method of cooking not only allows the pork to become wonderfully tender but also ensures that the stew reaches a perfect consistency. The sauce thickens naturally as the pork releases its juices and the tomatoes break down. The result is a rich, flavorful stew that coats the pork pieces in a velvety, savory sauce, making every bite a delight.

The Role of Cheese in Bekri Meze

While Bekri Meze is already rich and flavorful due to the combination of pork, wine, and spices, the addition of cheese elevates the dish even further. Gruyere or Kefalotyri cheese, which are both firm, slightly salty cheeses, are added at the end of the cooking process. As the cheese melts into the sauce, it adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the pork.

The cheese also enhances the overall indulgence of the dish, making it a comforting option for cooler months or special occasions. While the dish is already quite hearty, the addition of cheese makes it feel even more luxurious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bekri Meze is traditionally served with a variety of sides that help soak up the rich sauce. A loaf of crusty bread is the most common accompaniment, allowing diners to dip into the flavorful sauce and savor every bite. Alternatively, the stew pairs wonderfully with rice, which helps absorb the sauce and provides a light contrast to the hearty pork. Roasted or mashed potatoes also complement the dish, offering a mild base that contrasts with the bold flavors of the stew.

In addition to its perfect pairings with bread or potatoes, Bekri Meze is an excellent choice to serve alongside a glass of Greek wine. The red wine used in the dish itself can be complemented by a glass of the same wine or a similarly fruity red wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

Bekri Meze is a hearty, filling dish, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. The pork provides a high level of protein, essential for building and repairing body tissues, and the cheese adds a dose of calcium for bone health. Despite its richness, the dish is also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following low-carb diets.

However, due to the high fat content—particularly saturated fat from the pork and cheese—it’s important to enjoy Bekri Meze in moderation, especially for individuals who are watching their fat intake. The addition of tomatoes and spices also brings beneficial antioxidants, which contribute to the dish’s overall nutritional profile.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bekri Meze is a beloved Greek dish that showcases the incredible flavors of tender pork, aromatic spices, and the depth of red wine. Its rich taste and comforting qualities make it a standout in Greek cuisine, perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main course. With the combination of slow-cooked pork, melted cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, Bekri Meze offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Greek cooking.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply as a comforting weeknight meal, Bekri Meze is a dish that brings people together. Its warm, savory flavors and satisfying texture are sure to leave a lasting impression. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the richness of the cooking process creates a dish that is both approachable and extraordinary.