HenaKisoa sy Voan-Tsy
A flavorful dish of slow-cooked pork belly with a unique spice blend, often featuring star anise and ginger, served with rice. 'Voan-tsy' refers to the specific spice mixture used.

๐ง Ingredients
- 700 g Pork belly(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 whole Star anise
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Cooked rice(for serving)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork belly cubes on all sides until golden brown.
- 2
Remove pork from the pot and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sautรฉ until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned pork belly to the pot. Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, turmeric powder, water, and salt.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick before serving. Adjust salt if needed.
- 8
Serve hot over cooked rice.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of tomato paste.
- โEnsure the pork belly is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- โIf the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of simmering to allow it to reduce.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some chopped carrots or potatoes during the last hour of simmering.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute beef or lamb for pork belly, adjusting cooking time as needed.