The sauce is a triumph. A bargain hunter’s dream come true.
I love a bargain. My big problem is what psychiatrists might call “Value driven impulse purchasing”. “Half-price menswear” – keep me out of the shop or I will buy up every pair of lavender coloured trousers and those gingham shirts that most sensible men on the planet have ignored. The “bargains” I buy usually spend a period of time in the wardrobe before being transferred to the charity-shop bag and out of my life. This behaviour is all the worse because I know that I do it. Yet seemingly, I can’t help myself. So, when I saw some lovely looking plums in the supermarket at 49c for a half kilo, you can guess what happened.
But for once, my impulse led to great value and it led to a really delicious meal with a Spicy Plum Ginger Sauce at it’s heart. Here’s what you need to prepare it.
Back to my old ways, leaving some of the ingredients out of the shot.
Ingredients for the sauce
- 1 kilo of ripe plums
- 2cm piece of fresh root ginger
- Half teaspoon of chilli flakes
- 3 star anise
- 1 ablespoon of palm sugar
- Generous pinch of sea salt
To go with the “bargain” sauce
- 2 good pork chops
- Noodles
- A handful of green beans
- Splash of soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper
The salt really helps lift the flavour. You gotta’ love those flakes.
The sauce is really easy to prepare. Cut the ginger into small pieces. Place all the sauce ingredients (along with a splash of water to get things going) into a saucepan and apply medium heat. Place a lid on and let the plums break down as they cook.
I love the colours in the sauce as it cooks down.
Stir the mixture occasionally. When the plums are very soft, bash them up a bit with a wooden spoon to get the stones separated. Simmer for about twenty minutes over a low heat. Sieve the sauce and keep warm.
Season the pork chops very well. Then slice them into strips. Chop the beans into small pieces. Follow the packet instructions on the noodles. Heat a wok or frying pan. Add a little oil and fry the pork over a high heat. Add a splash of soy sauce and the green beans. Stir until the soy starts to caramelise on the pork.
I love this pork. It’s Gloucestershire old spot, a rare breed here in Ireland.
Put the noodles on a plate. Place the pork and beans on top. Artistically drizzle the sauce over it.
The sauce is a triumph. A bargain hunter’s dream come true.
Be prepared to have your concept of value turned on it’s head. This sauce is really amazing. It is fruity, zesty and leaves a lovely ginger afterglow that is enhanced by the gentle chilli flavour. I would encourage you to try it, even if you have to spend more than I did for the plums. Now, does anybody want to make me an offer for six pairs of skinny jeans in pink? They looked like a real bargain….
katechiconi | 18th September 2018
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Great sauce…. Plums aren’t common round these parts, but I reckon the same recipe would work pretty well with either pineapple or rhubarb.
I wonder, do you ever try these ‘bargain menswear’ items on? Only I’m having a lot of trouble visualising you being able to look past the visual impact of yourself in pink skinny jeans or lavender trousers…
Conor Bofin | Author | 18th September 2018
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Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. It’s not a good trait. The lavender is not too bad but the off pink ones that we see sailing types swanning around in are a real no no in my post impulse world.
I wonder if pineapple and rhubarb could be a good mix? I suspect it could be lovely.
katechiconi | 18th September 2018
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Worth a try in the narrow window when both are in season…
Marty | 18th September 2018
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Love the gratuitous salt sprinkling shot. 🙂 Not so sure about the image that is searing itself into my mind of you in pink skinny jeans (or any skinny jeans, for that matter, because of your cycling), although I can picture you looking good in the lavender trousers.
Plums and pork (or prunes and pork) is a combination that I enjoy. I’ve never tried adding the chili component, but definitely will do that next time.
Conor Bofin | Author | 18th September 2018
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Hi Marty,
I liked that shot too. I am experimenting with off camera flash and it is opening a new world of possibilities for me. I really can’t do the skinny jeans thing. for one thing, my cycling legs just don’t fit into them. For another thing, I look like very old mutton trying to appear as spring lamb. Not a good look.
The chili flakes add a nice bit of warmth. Don’t add in too much as the ginger is giving a bit of a glow too.
Simon | 18th September 2018
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I’d love to get my gums around your plums! Ooer missus! Titter ye not!
Conor Bofin | Author | 18th September 2018
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Simon, you area a brat. You remind me of a character from Viz magazine. A tome that brings out the inner teenager in me.
Gerlinde de Broekert (Sunnycovechef) | 18th September 2018
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It’s not fair you got a bargain on your Italian plums. There is only one food stand that sells them in my area and he can charge whatever he wants. They are my absolute favorite to make plum jam and bake cakes with. Your sauce looks great .
Conor Bofin | Author | 18th September 2018
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Thanks Gerlinde, I feel for you. To add to your woes, my Mum has a plum tree in her back garden. She (and all her neighbours) enjoyed a bumper crop this year. They don’t come any cheaper than that.
Ron | 18th September 2018
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Plum sauce and pork were meant for each other. On the other hand, pink skinny jeans and Conor????
Conor Bofin | Author | 18th September 2018
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I look great in anything Ron. I have a natural style about me…
Eha | 19th September 2018
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Conor – I am shocked ! You mean you do not wear lycra when on the bike 🙂 ? The pork and beans stirfry sounds great . . . the plum sauce even better > you know where the recipe is by now ! Oh, my favourite time on the computer is late at night when those crazy specials arrive on line . . . . must admit I do get carried away regularly . . .
Conor Bofin | Author | 19th September 2018
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My Lycra tends to be in the black to midnight black end of the spectrum. I am one of the few auld fellas that look really well in it. Delighted you are trying this recipe. It’s a good substitute for the late night shopping.
StefanGourmet | 19th September 2018
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Hi Conor, the sauce looks great! You could play with the spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, cumin… The pork also looks great. A trick I use to prevent overcooking thin strips of stir fried meat is to first sear the whole chops very well on both sides, then take them out and allow them to rest (residual heat will cook the inside halfway) while I stir fry the other ingredients and make a pan sauce. Then slice the meat and heat it through for a minute or so. This also works very well for meat that has already been cooked sous-vide (for cuts like pork shoulder that need low and slow cooking).
As for the pink jeans: put them on a second hand site some weeks before the pride parade 🙂
Conor Bofin | Author | 19th September 2018
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Thanks Stefan. That is a great thought on meat in the wok. In truth, my domestic gas wok ring has no hope of reaching the temperatures that one can get in a commercial setting. I have had the opportunity to try the real thing and I would love one for home. Though the gas bill and the Wife’s ire would conspire to defeat the project.
You are right in the sauce too. There are lots of worthy variations. I’m looking forward to experimenting.
Debbie Spivey | 19th September 2018
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Great sauce! I’m not much of a raw plum fan, but I do like them hot.
Conor Bofin | Author | 19th September 2018
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Delicious in this sauce Debbie. Do try it.
Linda Duffin | 19th September 2018
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The sauce looks delicious. You’re on your own with the pink trousers.
Conor Bofin | Author | 19th September 2018
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Think charity shop bag when you think of me and pink trousers.
Linda Duffin | 21st September 2018
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Oh, I am. 😀
Anne Bonney | 19th September 2018
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Ooooo, plum sauce with ginger and chilli flakes – I’m making this! Thanks.
Conor Bofin | Author | 2nd October 2018
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Excellent Anne. You will never regret it.
thedeerslayerswife | 20th September 2018
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Your shot of the salt flakes was nicely done. The sauce is beautiful. Perhaps you could tie up the legs of those pink pants and use them to carry produce? Reduce, Recycle, Reuse.
I just this morning ordered two identical pairs of shoes that were on clearance. They match the pair I’m wearing now! I feared mine would wear out and I wouldn’t be able to replace them! We need help!
On a healthier note, do you think the recipe would work with wild pork? We’re starting to see wild pigs on our hunting ranch. Love that wild pork in the freezer.
Conor Bofin | Author | 2nd October 2018
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A good thought on the use of pants. I have a pair of brown brogues that is starting to show it’s age. I really am tempted to start working on the replacement(s) too. As you say, we need help!
I can see no reason for it not to work with wild pork. I really enjoy fruit with any wild meat and most game birds too.
Our Growing Paynes | 21st September 2018
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Pink skinny jeans? Run, just run. LOL. I don’t know what it is about pork and fruit but it works so well. Delicious as usual.
Conor Bofin | Author | 2nd October 2018
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Thanks Virginia. I’m back to my normal dark blue slacks for the time being.
Our Growing Paynes | 6th October 2018
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Phew!
Eha | 23rd September 2018
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Photo please as proof ! And have a wonderful time . . .
Michelle | 2nd October 2018
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Mmmm, plums, I hate to see them go. That looks so delicious!
Conor Bofin | Author | 2nd October 2018
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There are still lots of them in our supermarkets. Unfortunately, most seem to be carrying the “ripen at home” label. That usually means “will never ripen”.
Michelle | 2nd October 2018
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Indeed. Same here. Local are the only ones worth having.
Karen (Back Road Journal) | 12th October 2018
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while I know I’ll have to spend more on my plums and the pork won’t have come from a wonderful butcher, this is definitely a dish I’ll be preparing. I’m pinned and can’t wait to try it.
Conor Bofin | Author | 12th October 2018
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Excellent Karen. You will not be disappointed. Hope all is well with you.