Pork belly fat cubes slow-rendered until golden and crispy outside with a soft centre — the market snack of the Khasi Hills eaten throughout the day at Shillong markets.
Ingredients
500g pork belly — fatty portions cut into 3 cm cubes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp turmeric
3 dried red chillies
Fresh green chilli and salt to serve alongside
Method
Score the fat side of each pork belly cube lightly with a knife — this helps the fat render more evenly.
Season pork cubes with salt and turmeric. Toss.
Place the pork cubes fat-side down in a cold heavy pan.
Turn on medium-low heat — starting from cold helps render the fat gradually without burning.
Cook on medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
The fat will render out slowly and the cubes will gradually cook in their own fat, becoming golden and slightly crispy on the outside while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Add dried red chillies to the rendered fat in the last 5 minutes.
Increase heat to medium for the final 3 to 4 minutes to crisp the exterior.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with fresh green chilli and a pinch of salt alongside.