Crispy Pork Bánh Mì with a Maldivian Twist

Ingredients

In this Maldivian adaptation of Bánh Mì, we infuse the dish with the flavors of the Maldives by incorporating traditional Maldivian spices and ingredients. The roasted pork is marinated with a blend of spices such as cumin, cardamom, and curry leaves, giving it a unique Maldivian twist. Additionally, the pickled vegetables are enhanced with the addition of Maldivian chili peppers for a touch of heat. The coconut chutney adds a creamy and tropical element to the sandwich, replacing the traditional mayonnaise or pâté. We alse have the original recipe for Bánh mì heo quay, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) roasted pork 500g (1.1 lb) roasted pork
• 1 baguette 1 baguette
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 Maldivian chili peppers, thinly sliced 2 Maldivian chili peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60g) grated coconut 1/4 cup (60g) grated coconut
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon curry leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon curry leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the roasted pork with cumin powder, cardamom powder, curry leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pork is crispy and golden brown.
4. 4.
   While the pork is roasting, prepare the pickled vegetables by combining rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add the sliced cucumber, carrot, red onion, and Maldivian chili peppers. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine coconut milk, grated coconut, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to make the coconut chutney.
6. 6.
   Once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into thin pieces.
7. 7.
   Cut the baguette into individual sandwich-sized portions and slice them open horizontally.
8. 8.
   Spread a generous amount of coconut chutney on the inside of each baguette.
9. 9.
   Layer the sliced roasted pork, pickled vegetables, and additional cucumber slices inside the baguette.
10. 10.
    Serve the Maldivian-inspired Crispy Pork Bánh Mì immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Roasted pork — Make sure to choose a cut of pork with a good amount of fat, such as pork belly, for the best crispy texture.
• Maldivian chili peppers — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Baguette — Look for a crusty baguette with a soft interior for the perfect texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the pickled vegetables before assembling the sandwich.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few drops of Maldivian chili sauce to the coconut chutney.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat or multigrain, to add a healthier twist to the sandwich.
• If you can't find Maldivian chili peppers, you can substitute them with Thai bird's eye chili peppers for a similar heat level.
• To save time, you can prepare the pickled vegetables and coconut chutney in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving advice

Serve the Maldivian-inspired Crispy Pork Bánh Mì as a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner option. Accompany it with a side of crispy plantain chips or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the sandwich with a sprig of fresh cilantro or mint leaves. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a vibrant tropical-themed plate to capture the essence of the Maldivian inspiration.