Wetha See Byan

Wetha See Byan Recipe: Traditional Burmese Pork Dish with Spices and Tamarind

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Wetha See Byan is a traditional Burmese pork curry that is bursting with flavor and spices. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy and aromatic curry that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

History

Wetha See Byan has been a staple in Burmese cuisine for generations. This dish is often served during special occasions and celebrations, as it is a labor of love to prepare. The combination of spices and flavors in this curry reflects the rich culinary history of Myanmar.

Ingredients

500 g of pork
1 large onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 tsp of finely grated ginger
0.5 tsp of chili powder
0.5 tsp of ground turmeric
3 tbsp of light sesame oil
1 stalk of lemon grass
2 tbsp of tamarind liquid
2 tbsp of sauce

How to prepare

Cut the pork into small squares and remove excess fat. Put onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili powder in a food processor. Process until you get a pasty mixture. In a wok or deep-sided frying pan, heat oil. Add the spicy paste and stir. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes. If the mixture starts to burn or dry, add a little water. The spicy paste is cooked when it turns golden brown and has oil around the edges. Add the pork and simmer gently until tender. Add finely chopped lemongrass, tamarind juice, and sauce. Stir well. Cook until the water has evaporated and the oil separates from the gravy. Adjust the flavor of the curry by adding more chili powder if desired.

Variations

Substitute pork with chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as potatoes or carrots for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the spicy paste over low heat to prevent burning.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- Be patient when simmering the pork, as this will ensure that it is tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Wetha See Byan with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to create a smooth and flavorful spicy paste.

- Simmer the pork slowly to ensure that it is tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil if desired.

- Substitute tamarind liquid with lime juice for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Wetha See Byan can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro or sliced red chilies for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Wetha See Byan with a refreshing cucumber salad and a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Wetha See Byan contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The use of sesame oil in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are essential for overall health.

Proteins

Pork is a great source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the use of garlic, ginger, and turmeric.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Wetha See Byan is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Wetha See Byan is a delicious and aromatic Burmese pork curry that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a perfect balance of spices and flavors, this dish is a must-try for any curry lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Wetha See Byan. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Zara in her small village in Myanmar. As we sat in her kitchen chatting and sipping on tea, she suddenly got up and started rummaging through her collection of recipe books.

"Ah, here it is!" she exclaimed, pulling out an old, tattered notebook. "This is my grandmother's recipe for Wetha See Byan. You have to try it, it's absolutely delicious."

Intrigued, I watched as Zara began to gather the ingredients for the dish. She explained that Wetha See Byan is a traditional Burmese curry made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and a rich blend of spices. As she cooked, the fragrant aroma of the curry filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Zara shared with me the story of how her grandmother had taught her to make Wetha See Byan when she was just a young girl. She described how they would spend hours together in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, grinding spices, and simmering the curry until it was tender and flavorful. The dish had been a family favorite for generations, and Zara was proud to carry on the tradition.

After hours of cooking, the Wetha See Byan was finally ready. Zara served it up with a side of steamed rice and fresh cilantro, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The curry was everything Zara had promised and more - rich, aromatic, and bursting with flavor. I savored each bite, feeling grateful to have stumbled upon such a delicious recipe.

As I finished my meal, I knew that I had to learn how to make Wetha See Byan for myself. Zara kindly shared her grandmother's recipe with me, and I made a mental note to recreate the dish in my own kitchen once I returned home.

Back in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients for Wetha See Byan and set to work following Zara's instructions. I chopped the beef into bite-sized pieces, peeled and diced the potatoes, and ground the spices into a fragrant paste. As the curry simmered on the stove, the familiar aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that warm summer day in Myanmar.

When the Wetha See Byan was finally ready, I served it up with a side of steamed rice, just as Zara had done. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to Zara's kitchen, savoring the flavors of her grandmother's recipe. The curry was just as delicious as I remembered - tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a rich blend of spices that danced on my tongue.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. As I sat at the table, enjoying my homemade Wetha See Byan, I felt grateful for the serendipitous moment that had led me to discover this delicious dish. And as I looked forward to sharing it with my own family and friends, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.