Braised Pork with Coconut Milk
- 2 tablespoons corn, grapeseed, or other neutral oil
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 Thai or other small fresh chiles, stemmed, seeded, and minced
- About 1 quart coconut milk, homemade (page 584) or canned
- 2 tablespoons nam pla
- Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Put the oil in a deep skillet or casserole with a lid and place it over medium-high heat.
- When the oil shimmers, add the meat.
- Brown it well on all sides, turning as necessary, about 10 minutes, perhaps longer.
- While the meat is browning, sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Turn the heat to low and pour off all but a couple tablespoons of the fat.
- Add the garlic and chiles and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds.
- Add the coconut milk and nam pla and raise the heat; bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low once again.
- Partially cover the pan and adjust the heat so the mixture simmers steadily.
- Cook for at least an hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so; do not let the bottom burn.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add water, 1/2 cup or so at a time.
- Cook until the meat is quite tender.
- If the sauce is a good consistency at this point, simply plate and serve.
- If it is too thick, add a little water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is creamy.
- Garnish with the cilantro and serve or cover and refrigerate for up to a day before reheating, adding a little more water to thin the stew if necessary.
corn, pork shoulder, salt, black pepper, garlic, fresh chiles, coconut milk, fresh cilantro
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/braised-pork-with-coconut-milk-386283 (may not work)