Filipino vegetable dish that is flavorful as it is colorful, “Pinakbet” or also know as “Pakbet” is a medley of local vegetables, pork belly, and shrimp paste. This classic Pinoy stew is perfect as the main entrée or a side dish to fried fish or grilled meat.
“Pinakbet” has two versions, depending on what type of bagoong is used. The Tagalog version makes use of bagoong alamang or shrimp paste, made from krill, which are small shrimp-like crustaceans found in the waters of Asia. The Ilocano version uses fermented fish or bagoong isda.
INGREDIENTS
▪3 tablespoons cooking oil
▪200 grams pork belly
▪2 tablespoons dried hibi
▪1 piece onion
▪4 cloves garlic
▪2 pieces tomatoes
▪2 tablespoons bagoong alamang
▪1 cup kalabasa (squash)
▪1 cup water
▪1 cup ampalaya (bitter melon)
▪1 cup okra (lady’s finger)
▪1 cup talong (eggplant)
▪1 bunch string beans
▪¼ teaspoon black pepper
▪1 bunch alugbati
▪salt to taste