If this lip-smacking Portuguese delicacy could speak

There is an invaluable life lesson this Portuguese gourmet dish presents to us.

Sorpotel

‘What appears to be a problem could be converted into a blessing.’

The key is to sort through this lesson is to get to the bottom-line: ‘Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from your hidden blessing!’

Born and raised in Goa, a locale once colonised by the Portuguese, I can vouch for the rustic, colonial atmosphere that prevailed which gives this destination a unique touch.

The Church in Panjim

Contributing to the natural beauty of the stunning hills and gorgeous beaches, is a visible imprint of the Portuguese culture.

The Goan Beach

Fun at the Beach

The leisurely lanes, eye-catching church steeples, the little taverns, and most of all the distinct cuisine, they all offer impressive remnants of Portuguese influence.

Streets in Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Among them, one of the most relished dishes influenced by the Portuguese in Goa is the Sorpotel.

Sorpotel

Sorpotel’s origin is humble, colonial, inspiring.

The story is told that at a time when African slaves did not have the privilege of eating good meat, the luxury of eating the best meat belonged to their masters. The leftover body parts that were rejected as waste was given to these slaves.

The hard-working slaves took ‘the rejected‘ meat parts, the tail, ear, intestines, tongue, heart, liver and prepared a tasty, luscious something out of it.

Pork Sorpotel!

Sorpotel is a red meat curry that is wonderfully tangy and spicy at the same time.

Here is a quick method of how this zesty dish is prepared:

1. Boiling the Pork. 
2. Dicing the boiled Pork.
3. Mixing red chilli and spices with vinegar.
4. Grinding it into a paste to have the masala ready.
5. Frying the boiled meat.
6. Sauté onions until golden brown.
7. Adding the meat and the masala to the onions.
8. Cooking the rich red gravy until tender.
9. Stir in desired amount of salt.
10. Simmering for 20 minutes more and allowing the sweet-sour aroma to emanate.

There you are!

Por favor você pode me trazer um pouco de Sorpotel?

That’s me trying a bit of Portuguese.

There may be a few variations of preparing the Pork Sorpotel, but it remains a preferred delicacy that is thoroughly relished.

What began from waste. What was made with that which was ‘rejected‘. What started as a poor man’s food, is now a rich, much sought after delicacy.

Wafting through the delectable aroma, is a rhapsody, a message that the Pork Sorpotel whispers, “look closely, there could be a blessing right within your problem”.

Go find it!

Even though David was anointed by the prophet Samuel as God’s chosen to be the King, he had to wait for a long time to be on the throne. Until then, he was taking care of sheep in the wild. Then, one day David came across a huge problem that threatened the entire nation.

While everyone was afraid of the ‘Giant issue’ David was bold and trusted his God. He was only a young boy when he stepped up to face the challenge from the Giant. He took on the challenge and voila! He defeated Goliath. The handsome reward that was announced for the one who kills the Giant was handed over to David.

Wrapped up in that problem was David’s biggest breakthrough!

Bible Verse:

1st Samuel 17:25

The King will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father’s family from taxes in Israel.”

Does it seem like life has dealt you a bad hand?

Are you facing a “Giant Problem”?

Has there been a prolonged delay in finding an answer?

I encourage you to look to the Lord.

No matter what you are left to deal with.

No matter where you are at in your life situation.

No matter how long the delay has been.

Remember the God of David is able.

He cares about you.

As you reflect on this, let me wish you a refreshing weekend and a new week filled with blessings.

I would also be happy to hear your thoughts on this post so please take a moment to comment.

Cheering you on!

Sophie