It is October, commemorated the world over as national Pork Month, also referred to as Porktober. It is also the reason why this month we want to explore the versalitity of pork in cooking. To that end we present some popular pork delicacies from various countries around the world.
Nane Flo: This translates to trotter stew. It is a Ghanaian dish, popular with the Ga people in the coastal towns of the Greater Accra Region. The pork product used in the dish is salted pork trotters, this is slowly cooked in a tomato sauce; made with tomatoes, onions, red chilly peppers, ginger, and spices. The sauce goes well with rice or kenkey.
Pulled Pork: This Southern U.S. classic involves slow-cooking pork shoulder until it’s tender enough to be “pulled” apart. It’s typically served in sandwiches or on its own with barbecue sauce.
Pork Adobo: A Filipino favorite, pork adobo consists of pork pieces marinated and simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. It’s known for its savory-sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
Carnitas: A Mexican specialty, carnitas involves simmering pork in its own fat until it becomes tender and crispy on the outside. It’s often used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans.
Char Siu: A Chinese dish, char siu features marinated and roasted pork (often pork loin or pork belly) with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s commonly found in Cantonese cuisine and used in dishes like char siu bao (steamed buns).
Pork Schnitzel: A popular dish in German and Austrian cuisine, pork schnitzel is thinly pounded pork cutlet that’s breaded and fried until crispy. It’s typically served with lemon wedges.
Pork Belly Buns: Originating from Taiwanese street food, these buns feature slices of tender, braised pork belly, usually topped with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and green onions, all enclosed in a soft, fluffy bun.
Pork Tamales: In Latin American cuisine, tamales are made with masa (corn dough) and filled with a variety of ingredients, including seasoned pork. They are wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
Pork Satay: A popular Southeast Asian dish, pork satay involves skewered and grilled pork pieces served with a flavorful peanut sauce and often accompanied by rice or noodles.
Pork Goulash: A Hungarian specialty, pork goulash is a hearty stew made with tender pork pieces, paprika, onions, and other spices. It’s often served with noodles or crusty bread.
Bacon: A beloved breakfast staple, bacon is made from cured and smoked pork belly. It’s often enjoyed crispy and can be used in sandwiches, salads, and various dishes for added flavor.
These are just a few examples of the delicious pork delicacies enjoyed worldwide. Each dish offers a unique flavor profile and cultural significance, making pork a versatile and celebrated ingredient in global cuisine.
