Rep
An authentic non-vegetarian recipe from Mizoram, India
Cook Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
Non-VegetarianIngredients
For 4 servings
400g Pork belly or pork with fat, cut into pieces
6piece Dried red chillies
8piece Garlic cloves
20g Ginger
150g Onions, sliced
30g Fermented soybean paste (bekang)
3g Turmeric powder
8g Salt
200ml Water
9 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Dry roast the dried red chillies in a pan over low heat for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Cool and grind to a coarse powder.
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Pound garlic and ginger together in a mortar to a rough paste.
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In a heavy-bottomed pot, add the pork pieces without any oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the pork renders its own fat and the pieces are lightly browned.
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Add sliced onions to the rendered pork fat and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
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Add the garlic-ginger paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add turmeric powder and the ground red chilli powder. Stir well to coat the pork.
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Add fermented soybean paste (bekang) and mix thoroughly. The bekang adds a deep, umami-rich flavour characteristic of Mizo cooking.
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Add water and salt. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick, coating consistency.
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Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot with steamed rice.
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Chef's Tips
Rep is a traditional Mizo pork dish; using pork belly with fat is important as the rendered fat forms the cooking medium and adds richness.
Bekang (fermented soybean paste) is the defining ingredient — it gives Rep its characteristic pungent, umami depth. Substitute with a small amount of miso paste if unavailable.
Mizo cooking is minimal and unfussy — do not add too many spices; the flavour comes from the pork fat, bekang, and chillies.
Rep is traditionally cooked in a clay pot over a wood fire, which imparts a subtle smoky flavour; a heavy cast-iron pot is the best substitute.
About This Dish
Rep is a traditional non-vegetarian dish from Mizoram, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Rep is a traditional Mizo pork dish; using pork belly with fat is important as the rendered fat forms the cooking medium and adds richness. - Bekang (fermented soybean paste) is the defining ingredient — it gives Rep its characteristic pungent, umami depth. Substitute with a small amount of miso paste if unavailable. - Mizo cooking is minimal and unfussy — do not add too many spices; the flavour comes from the pork fat, bekang, and chillies. - Rep is traditionally cooked in a clay pot over a wood fire, which imparts a subtle smoky flavour; a heavy cast-iron pot is the best substitute.
Category
Non-Vegetarian
Cook Time
25 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy