The Filipino Thanksgiving: Adapting and Adopting Traditions
In the Philippines, Thanksgiving takes on a unique and heartwarming flavor. While it may not be a traditional Filipino holiday, the spirit of giving thanks and celebrating blessings resonates deeply with the Filipino culture. This blog post explores the Filipino Thanksgiving, where gratitude and togetherness are celebrated with a delicious spread of dishes that have become a fusion of local and global traditions.
Thanksgiving in the Philippines is not just about the food; it's about adapting and adopting traditions that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Join us on this journey through the Filipino Thanksgiving, spiced with humor and respect for the importance of gratitude in Filipino culture.
To truly understand the Filipino Thanksgiving, we must delve into the historical background that has shaped it. While Thanksgiving is not a traditional Filipino holiday, the act of giving thanks and celebrating blessings has always been an integral part of Filipino culture.
In the Philippines, gratitude is deeply rooted in the culture. The Bayanihan spirit, a sense of community and helping one another, plays a significant role in Filipino society. This spirit is a cornerstone of the Filipino Thanksgiving.
Lechon: The Star of the Feast
Lechon, a whole roasted pig, takes center stage in Filipino Thanksgiving celebrations. The significance of Lechon lies in its symbolism of abundance and generosity. It's a dish that showcases the Filipino's willingness to go above and beyond in welcoming guests and expressing gratitude. Fun fact: The crispy, golden skin of the Lechon is a favorite among Filipinos, and it's a sign of a well-cooked pig.
Kare-Kare: The Nutty Delight
Kare-Kare is a rich Filipino stew made with oxtail, tripe, and vegetables, often served with a savory peanut sauce. The significance of Kare-Kare is its role in Filipino celebrations, symbolizing the sense of community and the spirit of sharing. Fun fact: Kare-Kare is traditionally served with bagoong, a fermented shrimp paste, which adds a burst of umami to the dish
Bibingka: The Festive Rice Cake
Bibingka is a traditional Filipino rice cake made with glutinous rice and coconut milk, often cooked over a charcoal stove. The significance of Bibingka lies in its representation of Filipino hospitality and warmth. It's a dish that welcomes guests and creates a sense of home. Fun fact: Bibingka is often enjoyed during Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Christmas tradition, but it's also a staple in the Filipino Thanksgiving spread
Recipe Highlight: Kare-Kare
Let's learn how to make Kare-Kare, a rich and nutty Filipino stew that warms the heart.
Ingredients:
2 pounds oxtail, cut into 2-inch slices
1/2 pound tripe, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large eggplant, sliced
1 bundle string beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
2 pieces banana flower (puso ng saging), sliced
1 small bundle of pechay (Chinese cabbage)
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup peanut butter
6-8 cups water
Fish sauce (patis) to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Steps:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the oxtail and tripe. Simmer until tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil. Sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant.
Add the peanut butter and cook for a few minutes, then pour in 1 cup of broth from the pot. Stir well to dissolve the peanut butter.
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pot with the oxtail and tripe. Mix well and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Add the vegetables, string beans, eggplant, banana flower, and pechay. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper to taste. Serve your Kare-Kare hot with bagoong on the side.
While we've shared the stories and recipes of these beloved dishes, nothing compares to the personal experiences they bring. I fondly remember the last Filipino Thanksgiving I attended, where the aroma of Lechon filled the air, and the warm laughter of friends and family echoed through the night. The sight of Kare-Kare on the table, bubbling with nutty richness, was a reminder of the generosity of Filipino hospitality.
The Filipino Thanksgiving is not just about the food on the table; it's about the warmth and gratitude that fills the room. It's an occasion where family, friends, and even strangers come together to celebrate blessings and give thanks for the abundance in life.
As we conclude our journey through this unique celebration, we encourage you to explore the flavors, try the recipes, and create your own heartwarming Thanksgiving traditions. Whether you're Filipino, a visitor, or a food enthusiast eager to experience a different kind of Thanksgiving, the Filipino celebration is here to welcome you, one delicious bite at a time.
So, as we say in the Philippines, "Magpasalamat tayo!" (Let's give thanks!) Share the warmth, embrace the culture, and celebrate the Filipino Thanksgiving with open hearts and full stomachs.
