Ingredients:
1.5 kg pig’s knuckle (pata)
10 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, chopped
1 cup pineapple juice
5 star anise
5 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
25 g banana blossoms (optional)
100 g black beans, soaked and rinsed
⅓ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp vinegar
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp peppercorn
½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Marinate the pork
In a bowl, combine the pork knuckle, soy sauce, vinegar, ground black pepper, salt, and water.
Marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Drain the meat, but reserve the marinade for later.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil in a wide pot over medium heat.
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and soft.
3. Cook the pork
Add the pork knuckle to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Add the marinade
Pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer without stirring for 2-3 minutes.
5. Flavor it up
Add the peppercorns, star anise, and bay leaves.
6. Incorporate additional ingredients
Stir in the black beans, pineapple juice, and banana blossoms.
Mix well to combine all flavors.
7. Simmer until tender
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
8. Sweeten and reduce
Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Continue to cook uncovered until the sauce thickens and begins to render fat.
9. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy this delicious, hearty dish! Perfect for family meals or special gatherings.