Pork Saag
This is a saag, which means that the pork is cooked with leafy greens. The only "difficult" thing about this recipe is remembering to marinate it ahead of time. The half-and-half marinade will help tenderize the pork. This will make a great quick and tasty weeknight summer meal if you can remember to plan ahead. Serves 4.
Ingredients
| 0.33 cup | 79 ml | half-and-half, plus more as needed |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | minced garlic |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | minced ginger |
| 0.5 teaspoon | 2.5 ml | ground turmeric |
| 0.5 teaspoon | 2.5 ml | ground cayenne pepper |
| 2 teaspoon | 10 ml | garam masala |
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | salt |
| 1 pound | 455 g | pork shoulder, cut into bite-size cubes |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml | ghee or peanut oil |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml | tomato paste |
| 0.75 cup | 180 ml | water |
| 5 ounce | 140 g | fresh baby spinach, chopped |
| — | salt |
Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes, plus up to 8 hours to marinate. Sauté: 10 minutes. Manual: 10 minutes plus 2 minutes high pressure. Release: Quick, then Natural. Total time: 55 minutes, plus time to marinate.
To make the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the half-and-half, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala, and salt. Add the pork and stir to coat. Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. If you marinate for more than 30 minutes, cover and refrigerate the bowl until ready for use.
To finish the Pork Saag:
- Preheat the Instant Pot by selecting Sauté and adjust to More for high heat. When the inner cooking pot is hot, add the ghee and heat until it is shimmering. Add the pork along with the marinade and the tomato paste. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until the pork is lightly seared and the tomato paste has been well incorporated. Pour in the water.
- Lock the lid into place. Select Manual and adjust the pressure to High. Cook for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking is complete, quick-release the pressure. Carefully remove the lid and add the spinach. Mix well to incorporate.
- Lock the lid into place. Select Manual and adjust the pressure to High. Cook for 2 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Mix well and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and half-and-half if desired.
Tip: This recipe can be made with any type of meat. Just use the half-and-half mixture to marinate it first.