Manipur Thadou Kuki Pork Dry Roast Chilli Hill Tribe Style

Method

1. 1

   Place pork belly cubes in a dry heavy pan — no oil.

2. 2

   The pork will render its own fat. Turn on medium-low heat.

3. 3

   Cook on medium-low for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the pork has rendered significant fat and the pieces are golden and slightly crispy on the outside.

4. 4

   Increase to medium heat. Add thinly sliced garlic and ginger matchsticks.

5. 5

   Fry in the rendered pork fat for 2 minutes until golden.

6. 6

   Add dried red chillies. Fry 1 minute — they should sizzle and char slightly in the hot fat.

7. 7

   Add turmeric and salt. Toss.

8. 8

   Cook on medium heat for 8 to 10 more minutes, tossing regularly, until the pork pieces are deeply caramelised and the chillies have crisped and charred slightly at the edges.

9. 9

   This is a completely dry preparation — the final dish should have no liquid, just pork pieces coated in caramelised, spiced rendered fat.

10. 10

    Garnish with spring onion. Serve with steamed rice.