Tidz Kitchen

# # Version 1: Classic Pork Adobo with Black Beans

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs pork belly or shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
* 1 large onion, roughly chopped
* 6 cloves garlic, crushed
* ½ cup soy sauce
* ½ cup white vinegar
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 2 bay leaves (optional, but recommended for traditional flavor)
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil
* Water (as needed)

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate (Optional but Recommended):** In a large bowl, combine the pork, onion, crushed garlic (half of it), soy sauce, vinegar, crushed peppercorns, and sugar. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
2. **Sear the Pork:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve the marinade). Sear the pork cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This helps to lock in flavor. Remove seared pork and set aside.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same pot, add the remaining crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. **Simmer:** Return the seared pork to the pot. Pour in the reserved marinade. Add the bay leaves (if using) and enough water to just barely cover the pork.
5. **Cook:** Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork is tender. Stir occasionally.
6. **Add Black Beans:** After the pork is tender, stir in the rinsed and drained black beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
7. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more sugar or a splash more vinegar depending on your preference.
8. **Serve:** Serve hot with steamed rice.