Garlic Pork

Garlic Pork Recipe from Trinidad and Tobago - A Delicious Caribbean Dish

Region / culture: Trinidad and Tobago | Preparation time: 5 days | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 5

Introduction

Garlic Pork is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to please any meat lover. The combination of garlic, salt, and oregano creates a delicious marinade that infuses the pork with rich flavors. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Garlic Pork has its origins in traditional Portuguese cuisine. It is a popular dish in Portugal and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The marinade used in this recipe has been passed down through generations, creating a dish that is both delicious and steeped in tradition.

Ingredients

5 lb (2.27 kg) lean pork, boneless, cut into 1.5 inch pieces
white vinegar for washing pork (do not use water)
0.5 lb (227 g) garlic cloves, crushed (no need to peel)
2 oz (57 g) salt
2 small bottles of malt vinegar
same amount of boiled and cooled water
large amount of fresh oregano leaves (fine leaf thyme)

How to prepare

Squeeze the white vinegar from the pork after washing it, then rub the meat with salt, garlic, and oregano leaves.
Put malt vinegar and cooled, boiled water into a large glass jar (without any metal cover), add garlic, salt, oregano (thyme), and the pork.
Marinate the pork in this mixture for about 5 days.
Heat a heavy iron pot, then drop about one to two tablespoons of the marinade into it. Add a few pieces of pork per person to fry at a time and lower the heat. Fry until tender on a low heat for about 0.5 hour.

Variations

Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze out the white vinegar from the pork after washing it to ensure that the marinade is not too acidic.

- Marinate the pork for at least 5 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Fry the pork on a low heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

- Serve the Garlic Pork with a side of rice or potatoes to soak up the delicious marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Garlic Pork with a side of rice or potatoes.

- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the pork for at least 5 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Fry the pork on a low heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute malt vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

- Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different variation of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Garlic Pork on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. - Arrange the pork on a bed of rice or potatoes for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Garlic Pork with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

- Pair with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Garlic Pork in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 0%

- Iron: 0%

- Calcium: 0%

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and malt vinegar, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Garlic Pork recipe is low in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a flavorful and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion.

Summary

Garlic Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The combination of garlic, salt, and oregano creates a rich marinade that infuses the pork with delicious flavors. Serve with a side of rice or potatoes for a complete meal that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Garlic Pork. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We had invited some family friends over for dinner, and my mother wanted to impress them with a new dish. She had been flipping through an old cookbook, searching for inspiration, when she came across a recipe for Garlic Pork.

I watched as my mother gathered the ingredients - pork loin, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices. She explained each step to me as she prepared the marinade, letting the pork soak in the flavors overnight before roasting it to perfection. The aroma that filled our kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

When our guests arrived, they were greeted with the savory scent of the Garlic Pork wafting from the oven. As they took their first bites, their eyes widened in delight. The pork was tender and juicy, with a rich garlic flavor that lingered on the palate. Everyone raved about the dish, and my mother beamed with pride.

From that moment on, Garlic Pork became a staple in our household. My mother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just for a cozy Sunday dinner. I watched her cook with such love and passion, and I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it my own. I learned to balance the flavors of the garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar, creating a marinade that was bold and robust. I discovered that a touch of honey added a subtle sweetness to the dish, while a sprinkle of chili flakes gave it a kick of heat.

Over the years, I collected more recipes for Garlic Pork from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met on my travels. Each one had their own unique take on the dish, from using different cuts of pork to adding exotic spices and herbs. I tried them all, learning something new with each variation.

One summer, I traveled to Italy and had the opportunity to taste a traditional Tuscan version of Garlic Pork. The pork was marinated in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and red wine, then slow-roasted until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender. It was unlike any Garlic Pork I had ever tasted before, and I was determined to recreate it when I returned home.

When I finally mastered the Tuscan Garlic Pork recipe, I shared it with my family and friends, who were blown away by its depth of flavor and complexity. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could pack such a punch. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had expanded my culinary repertoire and introduced them to something new and exciting.

As I look back on my journey with Garlic Pork, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their recipes with me. Each one has taught me something valuable about cooking, creativity, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I am proud to carry on the tradition of cooking this beloved dish, and I hope to pass it down to future generations, just as my mother did for me. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about creating memories, building connections, and celebrating the simple pleasures of life. And for me, Garlic Pork will always hold a special place in my heart.