A Cypriot meat dish: Afelia

Afelia, an important part of Cypriot culinary culture, is served with hot rice and yogurt.

When making afelia, pork is cut into cubes and marinated with red wine, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, chopped onions, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.

The marination process lasts at least a few hours to make the meat more flavorful and tender.

Afterward, the meat is seared in a pan and cooked together with the marinade mixture. Coriander, an important spice that gives the dish its characteristic flavor and aroma, is also added. Afelia is cooked until it absorbs its liquid and the meat is thoroughly tender.

To experience this authentic Cypriot delicacy, afelia can frequently be found in the island's restaurants and homes.

AFELIA RECIPE

• 1 kg pork (from the shoulder or leg)
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon coriander, ground
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: rice and yogurt, for serving

HOW TO MAKE AFELIA?

• Cut the pork into 2-3 cm cubes.
• In a bowl, add the red wine, red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped onion, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Add the pork cubes to this mixture and mix well. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Drain the marinated meat and set the liquid aside. In a large pan or casserole dish, sear the meat in olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the chopped onion to the browned meat and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then add the ground coriander and bay leaves.
• Add the reserved marinade liquid to the pan and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender. If necessary, add a little water during the cooking process.
• Once the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened, the afelia is ready. Serve with hot rice and yogurt.