Five Spice Chinese Pork Stew

In a large pot, add the pork with the rest of the ingredients for boiling. Add water, enough the cover by pork by 1/2 inch. Boil on medium heat until the pork is fork tender. Once done, remove the pork from the pot. Reserve the stock and run it through a fine sieve to strain the impurities. In a wok or large pan, heat the oil and add the garlic. Allow to toast but be careful not to burn it. Add the shallots and the white onion and saute until it sweats and goes slightly limp. Add the ginger and fry until very fragrant. Remove around 1/4 of the onion and ginger and reserve for garnish. Add the pork and mix everything well until the pork is lightly toasted, around 2-3 minutes. Add the pork stock, followed the the soy sauce. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover the pot and allow the stew to reduce for 2 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook for another minute. Remove from pan and serve hot, garnished with the sauteed onions and ginger, and with a heaping scoop of rice. Enjoy!