khiemtran | Simple Caramelized Pork

Warning: this recipe is strictly "party food". It is not meant for every day consumption and is certainly not recommended for anyone even remotely diabetic. It is also really, really easy to make.

First, take a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of water and put them in a pot over high heat.

Stir until it just starts turning brown (I don't mind a hint of smokiness that comes when the sugar is just starting to burn).

Next, add your pork (I used a kilo of pork ribs), enough water to cover (I used half a litre) and two tablespoons fish sauce (more or less - I used "eight splashes"); two teaspoons white pepper; and one teaspoon salt. Simmer for as long as you can at low heat (at least 45 minutes).

That's the basic recipe. From here you can vary it by adding whatever aromatics you like at the simmer stage - for example: garlic, chilli, star anise, cinnamon, five spice, even vanilla. You can also add hard boiled eggs for a special treat. The longer and slower you can cook it, and the thicker you can reduce the sauce, the better it will be...