"Palatable Pakbet: A Delectable Dive into Filipino Vegetable Stew"
Pinakbet is a Filipino vegetable stew that is said to have originated in Ilocos, a region in the northern Philippines. It is typically made with eggplant, bitter melon, okra, string beans, and tomatoes, simmered in a savory broth made with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and fish sauce.
The name "pinakbet" comes from the Ilocano word "pinakebbet," which means "shrunk." This is because the vegetables in pinakbet are typically cooked until they are soft and tender.
Pinakbet is a popular dish in the Philippines because it is both delicious and nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Pinakbet is also known to be helpful in digestion and in boosting the immune system.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound eggplant, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound bitter melon, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 pound okra, trimmed and halved
1 pound string beans, trimmed and halved
1 pound tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup bagoong
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup water
Pork, bagnet, seafood, desired additional gourmet
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the eggplant, bitter melon, okra, string beans, and tomatoes to the pot. Mix well. Add your desired gourmet after it simmers.
Add the bagoong, fish sauce, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with rice.
Video tutorial on how to cook Ilocano Pinakbet
Video credits to @BambasKitchen
Here are more videos about pinakbet that you can use as a guide in cooking:
Pinakbet is the national vegetable dish of the Philippines. It was declared as such by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2011.
Pinakbet is also a popular dish among Filipinos living overseas. It is a reminder of home and a way to connect with their cultural heritage. Delight in!
#VeggieVibes #PinakbetPower #FilipinoGourmet #TasteOfHome
