Pinakbet
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Eggplant, sliced — 1
- Bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced — 1
- String beans, cut into pieces — 1 bunch
- Squash, cubed — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped — 2
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Garlic, minced — 3 cloves
- Bagoong — 2 tbsp (fermented shrimp paste)
- Pork belly, sliced (optional) — 150 g (5 oz)
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Water — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- If using pork, add it and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the tomato and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the bagoong, stirring to combine.
- Add the squash and water, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add the eggplant, bitter melon and string beans, and continue simmering, covered, for a further 8–10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
- Season to taste and serve hot with rice.
Introduction: A mixed vegetable dish simmered with shrimp paste, a beloved Filipino side showcasing the country's love of vegetables and umami-rich seasoning.
Cultural Background: Pinakbet originates from the Ilocos region, its combination of native vegetables and bagoong reflecting a resourceful, produce-forward cooking style now enjoyed across the entire Philippines.
Tips: Layer the vegetables according to cooking time, adding the quicker-cooking ones later. Avoid over-stirring once the vegetables are added, as this helps them hold their shape.
Variations: Omit the pork for a vegetarian version, using a vegetarian shrimp paste substitute or extra soy sauce. Adjust the bitter melon quantity to taste, as its bitterness is quite pronounced.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: What region is pinakbet from?
A: The Ilocos region in northern Luzon, though it's enjoyed as a beloved dish across the Philippines today.
Q: What is bitter melon?
A: A distinctively bitter gourd vegetable, an acquired taste that adds a unique dimension to pinakbet and other dishes.
- Eggplant, sliced — 1
- Bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced — 1
- String beans, cut into pieces — 1 bunch
- Squash, cubed — 1
- Tomatoes, chopped — 2
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Garlic, minced — 3 cloves
- Bagoong — 2 tbsp (fermented shrimp paste)
- Pork belly, sliced (optional) — 150 g (5 oz)
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Water — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
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