Pork Fry

Pork Fry

Pork Fry

Kerala pepper pork fry — pork (preferably with a proportion of fat, from the shoulder or belly) cut into large pieces, pressure-cooked with turmeric, salt, and a small amount of water until tender, then the cooked pieces transferred to a heavy iron pan with the reduced cooking liquid, coconut oil, fried shallots, sliced coconut pieces, dried red chilli, curry leaves, and a generous quantity of freshly cracked black pepper, and cooked over medium heat until the liquid is entirely absorbed and the pork pieces are dark, slightly charred at the edges, and coated in a thick, peppery, coconut-fragrant crust. The black pepper is not a supporting spice here but the lead flavour; it is used in quantities that would be aggressive in any other preparation. An exclusively Syrian Christian Travancore speciality; made for Christmas, New Year, and special occasions.

Cuisines

Travancore Kerala Christian

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Total: 55 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams pork, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 cup shallots, sliced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 sprigs curry leaves
2 tablespoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 cup coconut milk
— salt to taste
1 tablespoon vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. 2 Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. 3 Add sliced shallots, minced ginger, and garlic. Sauté until shallots are golden brown.
  4. 4 Add curry leaves and stir for a few seconds.
  5. 5 Mix in coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Cook for a minute.
  6. 6 Add the pork cubes and stir well to coat with the spices.
  7. 7 Pour in the coconut milk and add salt to taste.
  8. 8 Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the pork is tender.
  9. 9 Add vinegar and garam masala. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  10. 10 Serve hot with rice or bread.

Tips

For a richer taste, use freshly ground spices and adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference.