Easy Pakbet Tagalog Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 250 g pork belly, cut into strips

• 1 pc small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3-4 tbsp, bagoong alamang

• 2-3 pc medium tomatoes, chopped

• 1/2 small squash, peeled and cut into cubes

• 500 ml water

• 5-7 young okras, ends trimmed, cut into halves diagonally

• 1/2 bunch sitaw, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths

• 1 pc ampalaya, seeded then halved and cut into slices

• 1 large eggplant, ends trimmed and cut into cubes

• salt

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

HOW TO COOK:

1. Pour and heat oil in a pan and apply medium-high heat.

2. Add pork and cook until browned and fat rendered.

3. Lower heat to medium and add the onion and garlic and cook until tender and aromatic. Add tomatoes and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until it becomes soft and the skins peel off the flesh

4. Add shrimp paste and continue to cook for about a minute.

5. Add squash and water. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

6. Add yard-long beans, bitter gourd, and eggplant. Season with salt if needed. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the okra and cook for another 2 minutes or until vegetables are tender yet still a bit crisp.

7. Transfer to a serving plate and serve with rice and your favorite fried meat. Enjoy!

IMAGE: panlasangpinoy.com