Filipino Comfort Foods for the Soul
All Saints Day, known as "Undas" in the Philippines, is a significant and unique occasion in Filipino culture. It's a time when families gather to honor and remember their departed loved ones. While the focus is on paying respects to those who have passed, it's also an opportunity to celebrate life, create lasting memories, and enjoy comforting Filipino dishes. In this blog post, we'll explore the comforting and heartwarming Filipino foods that make All Saints Day special.
All Saints Day is a time of reflection and remembrance in Filipino culture, and the connection between food and family is at the core of this observance. During Undas, cemeteries become gathering places filled with food stalls and families coming together to share stories and delicious meals.
To understand the significance of the Filipino comfort foods during All Saints Day, it's essential to delve into the historical background of this tradition. Undas has deep roots in Filipino history and is a mix of indigenous customs and Spanish Catholic influences. The tradition of visiting cemeteries and celebrating with food has been passed down through generations.
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Puto and Bibingka are both traditional Filipino rice cakes. Puto is a steamed rice cake, often enjoyed with cheese or salted duck eggs, while Bibingka is a baked rice cake made with coconut milk. The significance of Puto and Bibingka is their comforting and familiar taste, reminiscent of childhood memories. Fun fact: Bibingka is traditionally cooked over hot charcoal, giving it a unique flavor.
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Lumpia is a Filipino version of spring rolls, often filled with a mixture of vegetables, minced meat, and sometimes shrimp. The significance of Lumpia is its role in Filipino celebrations, signifying unity and sharing. Fun fact: In some regions of the Philippines, there's a tradition of making giant lumpia rolls to share with the community during Undas.
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Adobo is a Filipino stew made with meat (often chicken or pork), soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices. The significance of Adobo is its comforting and savory taste, representing the love and care that Filipinos pour into their dishes for their loved ones. Fun fact: Adobo is a dish that's often better the day after it's cooked, as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Filipino Spaghetti holds a special place during All Saints Day because it represents the communal and celebratory spirit of the occasion. This dish is often prepared in large batches to be shared with families and visitors at cemeteries. The sweet and comforting taste of Filipino Spaghetti is a source of solace and unity during this time of remembrance. It's a reminder that even in moments of grief, there is joy to be found in coming together and savoring familiar flavors.
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Suman is a significant and symbolic dish during All Saints Day in the Philippines. Its sticky and cohesive nature reflects the strong ties of family and community during this time of remembrance. Suman is often shared among family members and visitors at cemeteries, embodying the idea of sticking together and cherishing memories of departed loved ones. It's a comfort food that connects generations, bringing warmth to a solemn occasion.
Recipe Highlights: How to make SUMAN MALAGKIT
Ingredients:
Coconut Milk
Granulated Sugar
Salt
Glutinous Rice
Banana leaves
Fresh Ginger: Optional but recommended!
Steps:
Measure the rice you will need and rinse it 3-4 times or until the water runs clear. Place it into a large bowl, cover with fresh water and soak overnight.
Add in the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Mix until the sugar dissolves
Drain the excess water from the rice and add it to the wok with the ginger
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cook, stir until it becomes thick, like oatmeal or porridge. Remove from heat and discard the ginger. Set aside for now
Wash banana leaves and then pat gently with a towel. If they are frozen, run them under warm water until thawed
Cut the banana leaves into 12×10 inch pieces. Heat both sides of the banana leaves over low heat on the stovetop and then set aside
Scoop 1/3 cup of the rice mixture into the prepared banana leaves and spread it out into a smooth shape about 5-inches long, about 1 inch away from the bottom. Roll the banana leaf over the mound of rice, then fold in the sides. Continue until you have rolled all of the suman.
Rip strings from the extra banana leaves and tie the suman shut. You can tie them individually or in pairs. Kitchen twine works here as well
Place into a shallow steamer pot and add enough water to where it’s touching the suman.
Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and steam for 1 hour, adding more water as needed
Prepare the caramel sauce. Combine all ingredients except for the vanilla in a small pot over medium heat and whisk together until smooth. Bring to a boil and continue cooking until thick caramel forms, regularly mixing for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla
Once the suman is done, remove it from the steamer and allow it to cool until easy to handle
Unwrap the suman and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
The memories of All Saints Day in the Philippines are filled with laughter, storytelling, and the aroma of delicious food. It's a time when families come together to celebrate life, even as they remember those who have passed. One of my fondest memories is helping my grandmother make Puto and Bibingka in the kitchen, where we would share stories and laughter while preparing these delightful rice cakes.
Filipino comfort foods during All Saints Day are more than just dishes; they are a source of warmth and connection with family, a celebration of life, and a way of paying respects to those who have passed. They represent the rich history and cultural diversity of the Philippines.
As we conclude our journey through these heartwarming Filipino dishes, we encourage you to explore the flavors, try the recipes, and create your own special moments during All Saints Day. Whether you're Filipino, a visitor, or a food enthusiast eager to experience this unique tradition, Filipino comfort foods are here to welcome you, one delicious bite at a time.
So, as we say in the Philippines, "Maligayang Undas!" (Happy All Saints Day!) Share the warmth, embrace the culture, and celebrate the Filipino tradition of remembering loved ones with an open heart and a full stomach.
