| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 565 | 35g | 12g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 6g | 31g | 1.8g |
There’s a quiet magic in marrying family traditions; a seamless blend of my Irish heritage with the aromatic influences of my Boston roots. Central to this enchanting dance of flavors is a treasured recipe: Braised Hyacinth Beans with Pork. This dish has become a beloved staple on our family table, bursting with the hearty wholesomeness of the beans and the robust indulgence of the pork. As a father to a young son and soon-to-be husband to my beautiful fiancée, Laura, my culinary journey is peppered with moments where I’m serving love in the form of palatable memories.
Marrying Cultures on Your Plate
The Braised Hyacinth Beans with Pork adds a touch of Asian culinary elements to our usually seafood-laden, Irish-rooted meals. It might not seem like the typical fusion you’d expect, but it creates an exciting balance of tender pork belly and lusciously braised beans, all imbued with a mild kick of red chillies and a comforting aroma of garlic and ginger. This dish mirrors my love for my culturally-rich upbringing, packing a flavorful punch that brings together the best of all worlds – a warming Irish stew, a Boston clam bake, and a Chinese homestyle casserole.
An Unexpected Health Powerhouse
But aside from delighting our tastebuds, the hyacinth beans in the dish play a starring role in boosting our health too. These small, vibrant beans are a powerhouse of essential nutrients and antioxidants, known for their ability to aid digestion, improve heart health and even fight the signs of aging. The pork belly meanwhile, adds a dose of protein that nourishes the body and keeps us satiated. Hyacinth beans (also known as Lima beans), embody the ideal of using natural, healthy produce to create delicious meals.
The rich, umami flavor of the Braised Hyacinth Beans with Pork is deliciously satisfying served as a stand-alone dish. Yet, it also pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, or even a simple side salad of crunchy greens for a lighter accompaniment. No food journey should ever be repetitive – by indulging in the unexpected, familiar recipes can take on vibrant new personalities.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of hyacinth beans
- 1 pound of pork belly, sliced into chunks
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of rice wine
- 2 cups of water
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 2 red chillies, sliced
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Wash the hyacinth beans and chop the pork belly into chunks. Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. Chop the green onions and slice the chillies.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork belly chunks and cook until they are brown on all sides. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another couple of minutes, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
Step Four
Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice wine to the pan. Stir everything together so that the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step Five
Add the hyacinth beans to the pan, followed by the water. Bring the mix to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about one hour.
Step Six
After an hour, check the pork and beans. The beans should be tender, and the pork should be cooked through. If necessary, continue to cook until everything is done.
Step Seven
Add the chopped green onions, sliced chillies, and salt to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Step Eight
Remove the pan from the heat. Taste the dish and add more salt if necessary. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. And then, serve your Braised Hyacinth Beans with Pork while it’s hot!
