Camarines Sur Bicol Express

Ingredients

• •Pork belly
• •Coconut milk
• •Shrimp paste
• •Green chili
• •Red chili
• •Garlic
• •Onion
• •Ginger
• •Cooking oil

Steps

1. 1Cut pork belly into small cubes and set them aside while you prepare the aromatics.
2. 2Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium heat and sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, and grated ginger for about three minutes, until fragrant.
3. 3Add the pork belly and cook for about eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned on all sides.
4. 4Stir in the shrimp paste and cook for one minute to let its flavor bloom into the oil and pork.
5. 5Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
6. 6Cover and cook for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. 7Add sliced green and red chili and continue simmering uncovered for ten more minutes, until the sauce turns rich and glossy and the chili has softened.
8. 8Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a little more shrimp paste if a saltier, deeper flavor is wanted.
9. 9Serve hot over steamed rice, with extra sliced chili scattered on top for those who want more heat.