Brandied Pork

I have been out of commission for quite sometime now. Right now, I cannot think of a more valuable excuse or explanation other than being lazy to upload pictures so I always forego writing in my blog. Such a lazy swine. I think it runs in the family. Ha!

Being Sunday, it accounts for yet another lazy afternoon worth trying new dishes. Specially so because the weather has been conducive – wet, gray yet not gloomy. I was left alone at home – mom to the Church and the oldest sister went to the salon. Besides hunting down for more friends in the internet who would want to chat with me, I started to play on the idea of cooking that pound of pork, which has been sitting in the freezer for a week now, in a different way.

My middle sister had once challenged me to come up with recipes which include at least 5 or 6 ingredients to make it easier for her to follow. Besides, maybe her Precious son, who has just turned 21 and managed to flee from his doting parents (ha!) can try my recipes, too.

So here goes……

1 lb. pork round

1 medium sized carrot

1 whole onion, quartered

Salt and pepper to taste

**** Put all ingredients in a dutch oven casserole and fill with about 4 or 5 cups of water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil until pork is tender. Reserve the liquid as broth.

Meanwhile…prepare:

half an inch ginger, sliced thin

3 cloves garlic, minced

half onion, cut in rings

2 stalks green onions

2 medium sized tomotes, sliced thickly

half a carrot sliced

1/4 c. brandy, optional

Mamacita or Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce

Salt and pepper to taste (I always use cracked pepper)

Cut the tender pork into big chunks. Heat 1TBSP. of oil in a wok. Add pork  and brown on all sides. Set aside. Saute ginger until pungent. Add the garlic and saute until slightly brown. Add carrot slices and add half of the brandy and let simmer until liquid is dissolved. Add the rest of the brandy and about 2TBSP of the reserved broth. Continue to simmer until the carrots are a bit tender then add the sliced tomatoes until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the pork chunks and 2tbsp. broth and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3tbsp. Lechon sauce and simmer until liquid becomes thick, about 5 minutes more. Turn off heat and add onion rings and green onion. Serve immediately. Would feed 5, but in abnormal circumstances, would feed 2 very hungry sisters. Well, there will still be enough left for the next day’s packed lunch.

Enjoy!

P.S. I couldn’t stay with the required 5 ingredients, but I assure you it is worth all the trouble.