Forager’s Spring Curry: A Wild, Seasonal Recipe

spring curry

Nothing says “spring” like a fresh, foraged meal! Savor the flavors of the season with this mouth-watering spring curry recipe.

The following is an excerpt from Forage, Harvest, Feast by Marie Viljoen. It has a been adapted for the web.


Forager’s Spring Curry

This boldly flavored spring stew evolved from a forager’s version of fridge clean-out day.

Foragers have the best leftovers. It is now a spring dish I re-create every year.

Serves 4

spring curry Ingredients

  • 11/2 pounds (680 g) pork shoulder, cut into about 6 large chunks
  • 4 ounces (113 g) young pheasant back mushroom, sliced very thinly (substitute any other mushroom)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Ramp Pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 can (13.5 fluid ounces/400 ml). coconut milk
  • 3 hot red chiles
  • 1 Thai lime leaf
  • 6 radishes, cut in half, with lower stems still attached
  • 1 tablespoon Sumac Essence
  • 8 Prickly Ash Quick Pickled Brussels Sprouts
  • 4 ounces (113 g) fiddleheads, blanched
  • 2 teaspoons Prickly Ash Oil
  • 3 ounces (85 g) watercress leaves. (or substitute wintercress)
  • 1 teaspoon Prickly Ash Paste

Process

In a large pot combine the pork, mushroom, soy sauce, Ramp Pickle juice, sugar, coconut milk, chiles, lime leaf, and radishes.

Add a little water if necessary to barely cover the meat. Bring the liquid to a simmer over high heat (stir occasionally to prevent sticking).

Reduce the heat and cook at a gentle simmer for 2 hours, covered, with a crack left for some evaporation.

Remove the lid and add the Sumac Essence, Prickly Ash Quick Pickled Brussels Sprouts, and fiddleheads. Increase the heat and cook uncovered at a high simmer for another 30 minutes.

Stir in the Prickly Ash Oil and fresh watercress no more than 5 minutes before serving.

At the table dress the top of the curry with flecks of Prickly Ash Paste.

Serve alone in bowls, or with sticky rice on the side.


Recommended Reads

Make a Foraged, Immune-Boosting Pesto for Spring

How to Forage and Store Wild Greens

Read The Book

Forage, Harvest, Feast

A Wild-Inspired Cuisine

$40

Enter your email to sign up for our newsletter and save 25% on your next order

Recent Articles

reindeer

Who Are The Reindeer Whisperers?

You know of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer & Vixen. Comet, Cupid, Donner & Blitzen. Rudolph too! But have you heard of the Sámi people who herd reindeer in Norway?

Read More

Pears Wrapped in Pastry with Crème Anglaise

Indulge in the sweet aroma of these pastry-wrapped pears! Easy to make and stunning to serve, these pastry-wrapped pears are a game-changer.

Read More
snickerdoodle

Holiday Cookies with a Koji Twist

We’re shaking things up with a twist on the classic cookie. Introducing koji-infused snickerdoodles – sweet, caramelized and utterly unique!

Read More
wintergreen

Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant

Wintergreen is the stunning evergreen groundcover that’s a game-changer for your garden! It’s cherished for its aromatic leaves, vibrant fall color & bright berries.

Read More

Delightful Desserts: Pine Nut Wedding Cookies Recipe

Wedding Cookies that melt in your mouth! Soft, chewy & utterly divine! Our Wedding Cookies are a breeze to bake and perfect for any sweet treat platter. Will you be the star of the sugar-studded cookie plate?

Read More