Dry version of a family favourite
THIS is a dish that I created when I wondered what else I could do with pork and potato, two ingredients that are family favourites.
Normally, I would just cook the usual dish that many Chinese families cook at home. It can also be found at many Chinese ‘economy rice’ stalls.
I am referring to the stewed or braised combination of sliced potatoes and pork fillet, in a gravy of oyster and soy sauce. Some of us may also add sliced onions, carrots or mixed frozen vegetables (carrot, corn, green peas).
This new dish is a dry version of the one I just mentioned. But as there’s no gravy to enhance its flavour, it would be good to add some herbs and spices, so that the pork and potato would taste better.
I have chosen rosemary, garlic powder, and the basic salt and pepper. I imagine you may also use chilli or curry powder if you want to turn this into a spicy dish.
This dish is quite versatile as it can be served with plain rice and other side dishes, or sprinkled over congee for children. It can also be served as an appetizer in lettuce cups.
If you make the pork and potato mixture a little wetter, it can be a filling for buns or hot dogs, a la ‘sloppy Joes’. You may also use sesame oil or herbinfused oil to marinade the pork.
STIR-FRIED MINCED PORK WITH POTATO
Ingredients 300g minced pork 1 large waxy potato, peeled and diced (about ½ cm cubes) 1 onion, peeled and diced 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 1/2 tsp salt ½ tsp garlic powder 1 tsp oil (for marinade) 1-2 tbsp oil (for cooking) Pepper ½ cup water 1 chopped red chilli (optional)
Method 1. Marinate the pork with 1tsp oil, half teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and a few dashes of pepper. Leave for 15 minutes. 2. In a frying pan, heat up cooking oil. When heated, stir fry the diced potato and onion for 5 minutes, or until onion is caramelised. 3. Add the minced pork and rosemary into the pan. Continue to stir fry until pork is browned. 4. Add water into the mixture. Bring to boil and continue frying on medium heat until water evaporates, leaving the pork a little wet. Add salt and pepper to taste if necessary. You may also use soy sauce if you wish. 5. If using red chilli, you may add it in with the salt and pepper at the end. 6. Serve with other dishes as you please.