The ingredients list may appear long, but any unavailable herbs and spices can be omitted or replaced with others.
Ingredients
one 4lb. Slab fresh, very lean pork belly
Spices
1teaspooncoriander seeds
1/2teaspoonfennel seeds
2teaspoonblack peppercorns
1/4teaspoonwhole cloves
2piecesstar anise
1 three-inch long cinnamon stick
Herbs
6sprigsrosemary
2bay leaves
6sprigssage
6sprigsthyme
1cupcoarse salt
1/4cupsugar
1teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 large onion, peeled and diced
1branchcelery, diced
2gallonschicken stock
Method
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toast the spices about 5 minutes. Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, crush the toasted spices and combine with salt, sugar, garlic, and herbs. Score the skin of the pork belly and rub well with the herb and spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Scrape the surface of the pork belly lightly to remove the excess herb, spice, and seasoning rub. Discard the excess herb and spice mixture, and place the pork in a large braiser along with the carrot, onion, and celery. Add the chicken stock to cover and bring to a boil. Cover with lid and place in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the pork is tenderly cooked. Remove the pork carefully from the braising liquid and place it in a shallow roasting pan. Roast approximately 1 hour, basting occasionally with cooking juices, until the pork is nicely glazed.
Serve with braised potatoes or lentils. Either of these may be cooked using one part of the cooking liquid reserved from the pork and one part water.