Curry is one of the most flavorful and comforting dishes you can make, with a rich blend of spices and a creamy sauce that can be adjusted to suit any taste.

While chicken and lamb are often the go-to proteins for curry, pork is an excellent choice that brings a unique depth of flavor and tenderness to the dish. Making a pork curry at home is easier than you might think, and with the right ingredients and steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.

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Why Choose NZ Pork for Your Curry?

NZ Pork is a versatile meat that works beautifully in a curry. Its natural fat content adds richness to the dish, and it absorbs spices well, enhancing the overall flavor. Cuts like pork shoulder or pork belly are particularly suited for curry because they become tender and juicy when simmered slowly, allowing the spices to infuse the meat fully. Plus, pork is often more affordable than other meats, making it a great option for a hearty and economical meal.

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Our favourite starter curry for a family

Peppered NZ Pork Curry

Ingredients

1.2kg diced boneless pork shoulder

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, crushed

4 tsp finely grated fresh ginger

2 Tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp cracked black pepper

1 cinnamon stick

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground fenugreek

½ tsp ground cardamom

1 c (250ml) chicken stock

400g canned diced tomatoes

1 c (28g) Greek-style yoghurt, plus extra to serve

150g baby spinach leaves

1/3 c loosely packed fresh coriander leaves, to serve

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Method

1. Combine NZ Pork, onion, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, pepper, spices, stock, tomatoes and half the yoghurt in a 5-litre (20-cup) slow cooker.

2. Cook, covered, on low, for 8 hours.

3. Discard cinnamon. Add spinach and remaining yoghurt to cooker.

4. Cook, uncovered, on high, for 5 minutes or until spinach wilts.

5. Season to taste. Serve curry sprinkled with coriander.

6. Top with extra yoghurt.

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Notes

Suitable to freeze at the end of Step 1.

Serve curry with steamed rice and warmed roti bread for a further taste sensation.

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Tips for the Best Pork Curry

Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork shoulder and belly are ideal for curries because they become tender and flavorful with slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like pork loin, which can dry out during simmering.

Toast Your Spices: Cooking the spices in oil before adding liquids helps release their full flavor, creating a richer, more aromatic curry.

Customise Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini to your curry, depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

Control the Heat: Adjust the level of chili powder or add fresh chilies to the curry to suit your heat preference. You can always add more spice, but it’s harder to take it away!

Make Ahead: Curries often taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Consider making your curry a day ahead for an even more flavorful dish.

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Pork curry is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be customised to suit your taste and dietary needs. With its rich flavors, tender pork, and hearty vegetables, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices, vegetables, and cuts of pork to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!

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