Braised Pork Belly

• About 1 lb pork belly - cut into cubes or bite size
• 2 Tbsp sugar/brown sugar
• 1 piece of leek or scallion (about 6 inches or so)
• 1 large piece of ginger
• 1 star anise
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp cooking wine
• 2 cups water/chicken stock
• Salt to taste

1. Heat up a large pot with a heavy bottom. Sauté the pork belly cubes, without any added fat (you don’t need it…) until browned.
2. When the meat is browned, scrape it to one side and put the sugar in the fat that’s accumulated on the bottom, and stir around until it’s a bit caramelized.
3. Stir and toss so the meat gets coated by the sugar.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a simmer and lower the heat.
5. Put a lid on and let it simmer gently for about 3 hours, turning occasionally.
6. Serve over hot rice!