Pinakbet

Pinakbet is one of my favorite Filipino dishes of all time. It is a sauteed dish with all the common vegetables I have grown up with. Although it is very common, I would not miss this in my blog as a reference for my children when they all become adults and would like to look back at the meals I made for them.

Ingredients:

2-3 clove diced garlic
1/2 diced onion
2 tomatoes, diced
3 pork chops cubed, fat separated
1 eggplant sliced
1 bunch string beans
1/2 kalabasa (squash) cubed
1 patola (sponge gourd) sliced
1 ampalaya (bitter gourd) sliced
1 bunch okra 
2/3 cup shrimp paste
1 1/2 cup water
salt, pepper, oil
crushed chicharron (optional)

First, render the pork fat in high heat until the oil is out and it turns brown and crispy. Turn to medium heat. Shove the crispy meat at the side of the pan and with the same oil, sautee the garlic and onion and the rest of the meat. Add the tomatoes and sautee it more for 3 to 4 minutes. I like the tomatoes really cooked as it added juiciness and acidity. Seasoned with salt (not too much as the shrimp will add saltiness) and pepper and add a glass of water just to cook the meat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes and if the water is reduced to half. Start adding the vegetable starting with the kalabasa ( as it takes a while to cook it ) - let it simmer for 5 minutes then add all the greens veggies, simmer again for 5 to 7 minutes depending on how much you like your vegetables done. Turn off the fire, add the shrimp paste and toss the pan until it is well blended. Topped with crushed chicharron. Serve with love.