Romani-style Tsigaristo

Ingredients

In this Romani adaptation of Tsigaristo, we incorporate Romani spices and herbs to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Romani cuisine. Additionally, we serve it with Romani bread and pickles, which are traditional accompaniments in Romani culture. We alse have the original recipe for Tsigaristo, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, sliced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork belly, sliced
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon coriander 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Romani bread, for serving Romani bread, for serving
• Pickles, for serving Pickles, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the pork belly slices, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Fry the marinated pork belly slices in batches until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. 5.
   Serve the Romani-style Tsigaristo hot with Romani bread and pickles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork belly — For best results, choose pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful Tsigaristo.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier Tsigaristo, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Romani-style Tsigaristo with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Romani-style Tsigaristo hot, allowing the crispy pork belly to take center stage. Accompany it with Romani bread and pickles to complement the flavors and add a tangy contrast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown slices of Romani-style Tsigaristo on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Serve it alongside Romani bread and a colorful assortment of pickles for an enticing and visually appealing presentation.