At night, wed sleep over, a tangle of sun-kissed limbs on her living room floor.
But before going beach, wed have to eat.
(Apparently, my uncles built an imu in my grandmas backyard once, digging up the lawn.
Photo:Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
She wasnt happy.)
The sweetness of the cabbage balances out the richness of the pork.
Its the first thing Hawaiian people living on the mainland will make to allay their homesickness.
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
I felt validated and comforted.
Id save the cooking liquid and use it like a master sauce.
I added whole bananas to the slow cooker.
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
(This is the culinary trick I am most proud of coming up with.
Bananas and pork have their own mystical union.)
I wrapped the pork shoulder in banana leaves.
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
When reheating the pork for service, wed first simmer the cabbage in the reserved juices.
The cabbage was heaven on its ownyou almost didnt need the pig at all.
The flavor of the pork in the juices suffices, enshrouding the cabbage.
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
I ate it standing up in my food truck between customers.
Both the food truck and restaurant are becoming distant memories to me now, like those cousin sleepovers.
But eating kalua cabbage erases the distance between all these memories and takes me back.
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali
Cover with banana leaves, if using.
Transfer the pork to a large mixing bowl.
Let the liquid cool slightly.
Skim off half of the rendered fat with a spoon.
Meanwhile, use 2 forks to pull the pork into strands, discarding any gristle.
Place the pot over medium-low heat; add cabbage.
Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage has softened, about 20 minutes.
Add the pork to the pot and stir to combine.
