Pork Shank With Star Anise

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Put the pork into a mixing bowl, and pour the soy sauce over it. Turn the meat in the soy sauce and let it stand at least one hour.

2. Step 2

   Heat the 3 cups of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat and add the meat. Set the soy sauce aside. Cook the meat, turning in the oil and spooning the oil over, about 3 or 4 minutes until nicely browned.

3. Step 3

   Transfer the meat to a heat-proof casserole, preferably one made of clay or earthenware. Pour over it the reserved soy sauce, and add the sugar, wine, star anise and 6 cups of the water. Cover tightly and bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat about 1½ hours. Turn the pork often as it cooks. Lift the lid of the pot and partly cover.

4. Step 4

   Continue cooking about 30 minutes, and add about 4 more cups of water. Partly cover and continue cooking about 1½ hours. To test for doneness, insert a chopstick inside the meaty part of the shank. If it pierces evenly, the meat is done. Otherwise, continue cooking up to 30 minutes longer or until done.

5. Step 5

   If the spinach is sandy, rinse well and drain.

6. Step 6

   Heat remaining two tablespoons of oil in a wok or skillet and add the spinach. Cook, stirring, about 90 seconds, turning the spinach over and over until totally wilted.

7. Step 7

   Arrange the spinach on a serving dish. Arrange the pork shank on top in the center. Spoon the sauce over. Cut the meat into individual portions and serve