Pork Chop Bhooni

Masala pork chops. Until the late 18th century pork was not used much in Indian cooking. Although most of the country was Hindu, and consumption of pork was not barred, a large proportion of the population was vegetarian. It was only in Anglo-Indian cooking and in the hills in the eastern part of the country that pork was consumed. This recipe originates from Darjeeling, a hill-station very popular with the British when they lived in India. The term bhooni, refers to the dry, almost coating consistency of the spices that remain on the pork chops when the dish is finished.

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Ingredients

8 pork chops, about 3 1/2 oz (100 g) each, excess fat trimmed		4 tbsp corn oil
1 tsp salt		1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp red chilli powder		20 curry leaves
1 tbsp corn oil		2 large onions, finely sliced
1 1/2 tbsp mild chilli powder		2 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp ground turmeric		1 tsp salt
1 tbsp ginger paste		1 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp garlic paste		1 tsp ground garam masala
3 tomatoes, finely chopped

directions

Total:

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1
Sprinkle the pork chops with the salt and chilli powder and rub on well. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan and sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side or until they are coloured. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2
For the masala, mix together the chilli powder, turmeric, ginger and garlic pastes and tomatoes in a bowl. Set aside.
3
Heat the 4 tbsp oil in the pan, add the fenugreek seeds and stir for a minute. As the seeds begin to brown, add the curry leaves and onions and saute for 6–8 minutes or until the onions begin to turn golden brown. Add the tomato mixture to the pan and saute for a further 3–5 minutes or until the spices are fragrant.
4
Return the seared chops to the pan, and stir in the tomato ketchup, salt and sugar. Spoon the spice mixture over the chops to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to low and add (7 fl oz) 200 ml water. Simmer, covered, for 15–20 minutes or until the chops are cooked through and tender.
5
While the chops are cooking, prepare the garnish. Cook the potatoes in boiling water seasoned with the salt and turmeric for 6–8 minutes or until they are just tender but still firm. Drain. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the potatoes and cook until crisp and golden. Keep hot.
6
Remove the chops from the pan, transfer to a serving platter and keep warm. Continue to cook the sauce, uncovered, for a few more minutes, until it has a thick coating consistency. Finish by stirring in the garam masala.
7
Pour the sauce over the pork chops. Arrange the crisp potatoes around the edge and sprinkle with the chopped coriander. If you like, serve with chapatti, rice or even some crusty bread.

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Pork Chop Bhooni

Ingredients

directions