Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its bold and exotic flavours, and one of the standout dishes is undoubtedly pork stew in Sri Lankan style. This hearty and comforting dish is made with succulent pieces of pork that are slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of aromatic spices, tender vegetables, and creamy coconut milk. The result is a mouth-watering stew with a rich and complex flavour profile that is sure to satisfy any appetite. If you’re looking to try your hand at making this delicious dish yourself, here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chillies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 sprig of curry leaves
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 2 tbsp Sri Lankan curry powder (or regular curry powder if Sri Lankan is not available)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
- 1 cup thin coconut milk
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Pork:
Take a large bowl and add the pork pieces to it. Then, add 1 tablespoon of Sri Lankan curry powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the bowl. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the pork pieces are evenly coated with the spices. Once the spices are added, leave the mixture in the bowl for at least 30 minutes to marinate. This will allow the flavours to infuse into the pork, resulting in a delicious and aromatic dish.
Prepare the Curry Base:
To prepare this aromatic and flavorful dish, first, take a large pot and put it on medium heat. Then, add vegetable oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is heated, add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves to the pot. Sauté these spices until the mustard seeds start to pop, releasing their flavour and aroma.
Next, add chopped onions to the pot and stir them in. Continue to sauté the onions until they become soft and golden brown. Then, add minced garlic, grated ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves to the pot. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook until the onions are fully caramelized, and the flavors of the spices have infused the dish.
This deliciously spiced mixture can be used as a base for a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, such as curries, stews, and soups. So, take your time sautéing the spices and cooking the onions to perfection, and enjoy the beautiful flavours and aromas of this classic Sri Lankan dish.
Add Marinated Pork:
Turn on the stove and set the heat to medium-high. Once the pot is heated, add a tablespoon of oil and let it heat up for a few seconds. Then, carefully add the marinated pork to the pot and use tongs to turn it over occasionally until it is browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the pork to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once it’s browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Add Coconut Milk:
Pour in the thin coconut milk and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes until the pork is tender.
Spice it Up:
Add the remaining curry powder and adjust the salt according to your taste. Allow the flavours to meld by simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Add Thick Coconut Milk:
Stir in the thick coconut milk and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will give the stew a creamy texture.
Check for Seasoning:
After preparing your dish, it’s essential to taste it and adjust the seasoning accordingly. This step will help you to achieve the perfect balance of flavours. If you find your dish lacking in flavor, you can add more curry powder for that distinctive taste, salt to enhance the overall flavor, or green chilies for an added kick of spice. By doing so, you can ensure that your dish meets your desired taste and preferences.
Serve:
Once the pork is cooked through and the flavours have melded, remove from heat. Serve the Sri Lankan-style pork stew with rice or flatbread.
Enjoy your delicious Sri Lankan-style pork stew! Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, as Sri Lankan cuisine can be pretty spicy.
