Pork Belly with Taro Leaves and Coconut
A rich and savory dish featuring tender pork belly slow-cooked with nutritious taro leaves and creamy coconut milk, a staple in many PNG households.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Pork belly(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 500 g Taro leaves(fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Chili(finely chopped (optional))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork belly cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the pork belly to the pot. Add the chopped taro leaves, coconut milk, and chopped chili (if using).
- 5
Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender and the taro leaves are soft.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little water if the stew becomes too thick. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
💡 Tip: This dish is often served with steamed rice or boiled taro root.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure taro leaves are properly prepared to avoid irritation.
- ✓Slow cooking is key to tender pork belly.
- ✓Adjust chili to your preferred spice level.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potato or yam.
- Incorporate smoked fish for an added layer of flavor.