1wholegarlic headpeeled and sliced half (place them in a cheesecloth - dispose after stew)
8cupswaterfor a 5-liter size slow cooker
1tbspsea salt
Instructions
Make aromatic base + sear the pork:
Place ingredients under “Aromatic base” in a mortar and pestle. Pound the ingredients until they are mixed well. (Alt. blend in a food processor).
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saute pan, saute the “aromatic base” until fragrant (about 2-3 min.). Pour in the slow cooker.
Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large size cast iron over high heat. When hot, brown the pork until light golden brown (about 5 mins). Season with a pinch of salt.
Make the stew:
Add the pork to the slow cooker with aromatic base.
Add all ingredients under “Pork stew combo”.
Cover the pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hrs. until the pork is tender & begins to fall apart.
In the meantime, boil 6-8 chicken eggs on a stovetop. When cool, peel and set aside.
Final touch:
When the pork is done, add the eggs & soak them in the broth.
Ladle a few spoonful of stew liquid over mixed leafy greens w/ 1 egg & some cilantro.
Notes
One important thing to note is that this is not a Western braise or stew. When you make it at home, you’ll have extra stewing liquid left. This is good because this liquid will become your master sauce for your next braise. The other way to utilize the stewing liquid is to use it as soup base. Just add more water to the soup base, and you’ll have a bowl of delicious soup in a few seconds.