Pork with Galangal, 'Kha Mu'

Cut the hocks into chunks the size of a small fist. Grill or barbeque or braise them to seal the meat and crisp the outsides. Finely chop the garlic, and other ingredients (except the star anise and soy sauces) in amortar and pestle, so they are easily integrated into the gravy. Put the other ingredients in a large pot, add the pork, then add enough pork stock to cover the meat, and then add enough dark soy to produce a rich coloration. Bring to a boil, and boil for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to a light simmer, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Taste and add sugar or light soy to adjust the flavor. Continue to simmer until the meat is tender enough to fall apart when probed with a chop stick (about 45 minutes). Add additional stock if the pot begins to dry out, but allow the sauce to reduce to a thickish gravy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Transfer to a large serving dish and serve with Thai jasmine rice (warn the unwary not to eat the star anise!)

Note: the pot should be large enough that when the ingredients and stock are assembled at the start of boiling the pot is about half full to prevent it boiling over.