Berber-style Pork with Spiced Potatoes

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Portuguese dish "Carne de porco à Alentejana" is transformed into a Berber-inspired creation. The traditional Portuguese flavors are replaced with the aromatic spices and seasonings commonly found in Berber cuisine. The dish now features a blend of cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, which give it a distinct Berber flavor profile. Additionally, the potatoes are spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to add an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Carne de porco à Alentejana, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes 500g (1.1 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pork, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
4. 4.
   While the pork is cooking, prepare the spiced potatoes. In a separate bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.
5. 5.
   Heat another skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the spiced potatoes and cook until they are golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. 6.
   Once the pork is tender, transfer it to a serving dish. Arrange the spiced potatoes around the pork and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the most tender results, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder. Trim any excess fat before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the cumin seeds, and toast for a few minutes until fragrant. Then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
• Fresh cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for garnish to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spiced potatoes.
• Serve the dish with a side of couscous or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Berber-style Pork with Spiced Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of couscous or warm flatbread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tender pork pieces in the center of the plate and surround them with the crispy spiced potatoes. Drizzle some of the flavorful sauce over the pork and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an elegant presentation.