| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 45g | 16g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 30g | 1.5g |
One of my all-time cherished dishes is the Taro Leaves and Pork in Peanut Sauce. Evolving from a tender blend of my West Coast spirit and ancestral Gujarati roots, this recipe marries some essential flavors of two diverse world cuisines. The core inspiration, however, orbits around the delicacy of Taro leaves, a commonly relished vegetable in the Gujarati cuisine. Beautifully intermingling with the succulent chunks of pork belly and the richness of peanut sauce, this dish provides a hearty fusion experience that even my husband Faisal and our two boys enjoy heartily.
The Cardio-Friendly Aspect
Beyond the taste dimension, the Taro Leaves and Pork in Peanut Sauce is notches above the average dish in terms of health. Taro leaves, a significant chunk of this fusion marvel, are known for their cardio-friendly attributes. They are chock-full of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients that can contribute to heart health. Complementing the taro leaves’ nutrients, the protein-rich pork belly and heart-healthy fats from peanuts make this dish a balanced inclusion to any meal plan.
Comparisons and Pairings
Fans of Filipino cuisine might recognize this dish’s familiar flavors – it shares some textural and taste aspects with the popular Kare-Kare. However, the application of Taro leaves and the distinct crunchiness of roasted and crushed peanuts lends our recipe a unique tantalizing twist. On another note, Taro Leaves and Pork in Peanut Sauce works fabulously when placed alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. This pairing plays off both the rich, thick consistency of the peanut sauce and the fluffy lightness of the rice.
Ultimately, whether you’re looking for a thrilling culinary experience or a health-positive shift in your meals, the Taro Leaves and Pork in Peanut Sauce is an impeccable choice. This dish brings together a delightful mix of cultures on your plate, merging palates and nutritional pros together with sheer style. All in all, this recipe is a delicious testament to the joys of Indian-American fusion cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pork belly, cut into chunks
- 2 cups of taro leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup of natural crunchy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of peanuts, roasted and crushed
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste
- 2 cans of coconut milk (13.5 oz each)
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 pieces of Thai chili pepper (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by heating the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork belly chunks. Cook the pork until all sides are browned.
Step Two
Add in the minced garlic and diced onion to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Three
Next, stir in the shrimp paste. Make sure all the pork chunks are coated with the paste. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Step Four
Pour in the cans of coconut milk and water. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover your pot and let everything cook for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
Step Five
After 45 minutes, stir in the natural crunchy peanut butter, crushed peanuts, salt, ground black pepper, and sugar. If you’re using Thai chili pepper, add them at this time as well.
Step Six
Lastly, add in the taro leaves. Cover your pot once again, let everything cook for another 10 minutes.
Step Seven
Before serving, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once done, your Taro Leaves and Pork in Peanut Sauce is ready to be served. Enjoy your meal!
