Step 1

Cut the pork belly into largish chunks about 2½cm (1in) square. If the meat is skin-on, it cuts more easily if you put it skin side-down on the cutting board.

Step 2

Roughly chop the garlic cloves. Roughly crush the peppercorns in a mortar.

Step 3

Put the pieces of pork belly in a heavy pan, add the garlic, peppercorns, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and bay leaves and mix well. If you have time, marinate the ingredients for an hour or two, stirring occasionally; if not, cook the adobo immediately. When ready to cook, pour 500ml (2 cups) of water into the pan with the ingredients. Bring to the boil over a medium flame then reduce the heat, cover the pan with the lid and simmer, stirring often. Cook for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Turn off the flame.

Step 4

Use a shallow ladle or spoon to skim off as much fat as possible from the surface of the cooking liquid, putting the fat into a bowl. Pour about 20ml (4tsp) of the fat into a skillet placed over a high flame. Use tongs to remove all the meat from the cooking liquid and place it in the skillet, to brown the pieces (it will splatter). While the meat is browning, turn the flame under the pan to high and boil the sauce to reduce it. Taste the sauce and add more sugar, if necessary. When the meat is browned, turn off the flame and continue to reduce the sauce (it needs a little more time). When it is ready, the sauce will still be quite liquid, but will have some body.

Step 5

Put the meat back into the pan and simmer for about five minutes, then serve the adobo with white rice and green vegetables.