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A smoky, nutty, and fiery pork curry from Nagaland. Tender pork belly is slow-cooked in a rich, dark gravy made from ground black sesame seeds and the legendary Naga king chili. A true taste of Northeast India.
Prepare the Pastes
Sear the Pork
Build the Curry Base
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A smoky, nutty, and fiery pork curry from Nagaland. Tender pork belly is slow-cooked in a rich, dark gravy made from ground black sesame seeds and the legendary Naga king chili. A true taste of Northeast India.
This indian recipe takes 100 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 834.91 calories per serving with 15.81g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Slow Cook the Curry
Finish and Serve
For a different texture, you can make this curry with bone-in chicken thighs or mutton pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly; chicken will cook faster, while mutton will require longer simmering.
To significantly reduce the heat, use a milder dried red chili like Kashmiri chili (for color) and a fresh green chili (for flavor) instead of the Naga king chili.
For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu cubes (pan-fried first) or a mix of hearty mushrooms like shiitake and king oyster. Reduce the simmering time to 25-30 minutes.
You can add chunks of potato or yam to the curry during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering to make it a more complete one-pot meal.
Black sesame seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium for bone health, iron for blood production, and magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.
Pork is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body maintenance.
Ginger and garlic, key aromatics in this dish, contain powerful compounds like gingerol and allicin, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
While pork belly contains saturated fat, black sesame seeds contribute healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and overall wellness.
This dish is a mixed bag. It's high in protein from pork and contains beneficial minerals from black sesame seeds. However, pork belly is high in saturated fat and calories, making it a dish best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
A single serving of Naga Pork with Black Sesame (approximately 265g) contains an estimated 550-650 calories, primarily from the pork belly and sesame seeds.
Naga King Chili, also known as Bhut Jolokia or Ghost Pepper, is a super-hot chili pepper originating from Northeast India. It's famous for its intense heat and unique fruity, smoky flavor.
Absolutely. The easiest way is to reduce the amount of Naga chili to just one, or even half. You can also remove the seeds and membrane before adding it. For a much milder version, substitute it with a less potent chili.
Bitterness in the gravy is almost always caused by over-toasting the black sesame seeds. They should only be heated for 2-3 minutes on low heat until they release their aroma. If they start to smoke, they have burned and will make the dish bitter.
While fermented bamboo shoot adds a unique pungent and sour note, you can omit it if unavailable. The dish will still be delicious, though it will lack that specific traditional flavor. Do not substitute with fresh or canned bamboo shoots as the taste is completely different.
This rich and spicy curry is traditionally served with plain steamed rice. The simple rice provides the perfect neutral base to balance the intense flavors of the pork and gravy.