Henakisoa sy Voanemba (Pork with Okra)
A hearty and flavorful Malagasy stew made with tender pieces of pork and okra, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. This dish is a staple in many Malagasy households, often enjoyed with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 400 g Okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 500 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 300 ml Water or pork broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they break down into a sauce, about 10-15 minutes. You can mash them with a spoon to speed this up.
- 4
Return the browned pork to the pot. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Pour in the water or pork broth.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
- 6
Add the cut okra to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- 8
Serve hot with steamed white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly sauté it separately before adding it to the stew, or add a splash of lemon juice to the stew.
- ✓Ensure the pork is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced carrots or potatoes along with the okra for a more substantial stew.
- A pinch of curry powder can add an interesting depth of flavor.