Pinakbet
Pinakbet is the Ilocano vegetable dish that turns a handful of garden vegetables into something deeply savory, thanks to a spoonful of bagoong. Keep it meatless for a fully vegetable version, or add a little pork for extra richness.
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Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. If using pork, cook until lightly browned and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the tomato and cook until it softens.
- Stir in the bagoong and cook for 1-2 minutes. Return the pork, if using.
- Add the squash and water. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the eggplant, string beans, and okra. Cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
- Add the bitter melon last and cook for 2-3 minutes more, just until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cook's Tip
Add the vegetables in order of how long they take to cook, and add the bitter melon last — it turns mushy and overly bitter fast if it sits in the pan too long.