Goan Pork Vindaloo

Created by Goan chef Francisco Marques, this is La Porte’s take on the classic, hot curry that is called “vindaloo,” a name that is derived from the Portuguese dish Carne de Vinha d' Alhos, a combination of meat (usually lamb) with wine and garlic. Of course, Indian curry spices have transformed the original recipe. I’ve eaten many, many variations on vindaloo, but this one is my favorite. Serve with any rice dish. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Ingredients

Spice Paste:
12 dried red Kashmiri chiles, or substitute santakas or mirasol, seeds and stems removed
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
3 teaspoons coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
3 cloves
1 two-inch piece of cinnamon stick
2 cardamom pods
1 two-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
3 tablespoons malt vinegar

The Vindaloo:
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chile powder, New Mexican preferred
1 pound pork meat, cut into small, bite-sized cubes
1/2 pound bacon, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 bay leaves
1 large Spanish or mild onion, finely sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 cocktail onions
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, combine all the spice paste ingredients and set aside for at least 1 hour. Grind the ingredients in a blender to a fine paste.

Combine the turmeric and the chile powder and rub onto the pork with your fingers. Set aside for 2 hours or preferably overnight.

Heat the bacon and the vegetable oil in a large pan and add the bay leaves and onion. Fry until the onion is a light golden brown. Add the Spice Paste and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring well, then add the pork and the tomato paste and a little water to prevent sticking.

Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Add the cocktail onions and salt to taste and serve.

Heat Scale: Hot