Description
Sumptuous Indonesian pork stew mingles aromatic spices with tender meat, creating a rich culinary journey through Indonesia’s robust flavor landscape. Hearty ingredients and traditional cooking techniques invite you to savor a memorable dining experience that connects comfort with exotic warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) pork belly or shoulder, diced
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 8 garlic cloves
- 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons fermented bean paste
- 4 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Herbs and Oils:
- 8 dried Chinese mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Immerse dried mushrooms in tepid water for half an hour, gently pressing out excess liquid and reserving to the side.
- Transform garlic cloves, shallots, and bean paste into a velvety, uniform mixture using a food processor.
- Warm cooking oil in a substantial pot, introduce cinnamon stick, then carefully fold in the aromatic paste. Allow flavors to meld and intensify for approximately 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Incorporate chunks of pork and whole garlic cloves, carefully coating with the fragrant base. Drizzle soy sauce and sprinkle sugar to enhance depth of flavor.
- Integrate softened mushrooms and pour in sufficient water to barely cover ingredients. Cover pot and reduce heat, allowing stew to gently simmer for 60 minutes.
- Uncover the pot, continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes to concentrate flavors and thicken sauce. Periodically stir to prevent sticking and ensure even reduction.
- Allow stew to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to harmonize before presenting alongside steamed rice or tender noodles.
Notes
- Soak dried mushrooms thoroughly to ensure they’re fully rehydrated and packed with flavor, preventing any chewy or tough texture.
- Use a mortar and pestle for a more authentic paste texture if you prefer a more traditional Indonesian cooking method.
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce quantities to balance the savory and sweet profile, accommodating different taste preferences.
- Consider using chicken or tofu as alternative protein options for those avoiding pork, maintaining the rich Indonesian seasoning profile.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indonesian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 439
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg