Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a popular Filipino dish from the northern region of the country. It comes from the word “pinakkebet” which means shrunk or shriveled. Pinakbet is made up of mixed vegetables steamed in fish or shrimp sauce. Some of the vegetables you can use when cooking this dish are eggplant, bittermelon (ampalaya), string beans, and squash.

Before I forget…have that rice cooker going because you might need some extra rice. Oh…one more thing. Have a cold soda (soft drinks) on your side or some cold juice to get rid of that shrimpy taste after you’re done. You will surely love this Pinakbet recipe. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

⚫¼ lb pork, thinly sliced

⚫1 large egg plant, sliced

⚫1 medium-sized bitter melon, chopped

⚫¼ lb squash, chopped into 2x1 inch cubes

⚫3 pieces large tomato, sliced

⚫1 piece onion, chopped

⚫1 tbsp ginger, minced

⚫3 cloves garlic, crushed

⚫6 to 8 pieces okra

⚫1 bunch string beans, cut in 3 inches length

⚫4 tbsp shrimp paste

⚫1 cup water

⚫3 tbsp cooking oil

⚫salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the pan and put the cooking oil.

2. When oil is hot enough, saute the garlic, ginger, onion, and tomato

3. Add the pork and cook until color turns light brown (about 5 to 8 minutes)Put-in the shrimp paste and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until pork is tender

5. Put-in the squash and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until texture becomes soft

6. Add the remaining vegetables and mix with the other ingredients.

7. Simmer for 5 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked. (Do not overcook the vegetables)Serve hot with steamed white rice.

8. Share and Enjoy!

Serving size: 4