Kiribati Coconut Pork Stew
A comforting and rich stew made with tender pieces of pork simmered in a creamy coconut milk base, infused with local spices and root vegetables. This dish offers a taste of home-style cooking in Kiribati.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork shoulder(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 cans (400ml each) Coconut milk(full fat)
- 500 g Taro(peeled and cubed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Water or chicken broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the pork helps it to brown better. - 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove browned pork and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the pork in batches creates a better flavor base. - 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned pork to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and water or broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
- 6
Add the cubed taro to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the taro is tender.
💡 Tip: Taro can absorb a lot of liquid, so add a little more water or broth if the stew becomes too thick. - 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This stew is even better the next day as the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If taro is unavailable, sweet potatoes or yams can be used as a substitute.
- ✓For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the curry powder.
- ✓Serve with steamed rice or breadfruit.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or pumpkin.
- For a touch of heat, add a chopped chili pepper with the onions.