Makassar-style Crispy Pork Cracklings

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of Makassar cuisine into the traditional Serbian dish of duvan čvarci. The original recipe for duvan čvarci involves deep-frying pork rinds, while the Makassar-style Crispy Pork Cracklings are slow-cooked to achieve a tender and crispy texture. Additionally, we introduce Makassar spices such as turmeric, coriander, and lemongrass to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of the target cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Duvan čvarci, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork belly, skin-on 500g (1.1 lb) pork belly, skin-on
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sambal, for serving Sambal, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 0g, 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the turmeric powder, coriander powder, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Place the pork belly in a roasting pan and add the bruised lemongrass stalk.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the vegetable oil over the pork belly.
6. 6.
   Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F).
8. 8.
   Roast the pork belly for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
10. 10.
    Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and serve with sambal on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — Choose a piece of pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat for the best texture and flavor. Ensure the skin is intact and not scored.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy cracklings, you can place the pork belly under the broiler for a few minutes after roasting.
• Serve the Makassar-style Crispy Pork Cracklings with steamed rice and a side of fresh cucumber slices for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Makassar-style Crispy Pork Cracklings as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice and sambal on the side.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced pork belly on a platter, showcasing the crispy golden skin. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color.