ulam

Ginataang Kalabasa at Kale (Squash and Kale in Thick Coconut Gravy)

I love coconut milk! It’s just so versatile that it goes from sweet to savory yet still maintains its character. Kakanin (Filipino native delicacies) is never the same without it and dishes like our Filipino Chicken Curry and Ginataan can’t be complete without its star ingredient, the all-around coconut milk. Growing up in the Philippines, …

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Nilagang Baboy (Pork Ribs Soup)

This is one of my family’s favorite comfort dishes (next to Sinigang – Pork in Sour Tamarind Broth). I used pork ribs in this one but you can definitely substitute beef ribs or even chicken. Regardless of the type of meat you prefer, the process is the same. Just keep in mind that the essence …

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Chicken Inasal (Filipino Grilled Chicken)

Grilling gives food that distinct roasted aroma and flavor. Chicken Inasal is a grilled chicken dish that originated in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, particularly in the city of Bacolod. Chicken parts are marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, sugar, calamansi (calamondin), soy sauce and coconut vinegar then grilled using hot coals. …

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Pinakbet (Ilocano-Style)

If Adobo is the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, Pinakbet (to me) is its equivalent in the Ilocano cuisine. With a myriad of vegetables that represent the bounty of the north’s fertile soil, this dish definitely speaks what Ilocos region has to offer. The name originated from the word pinakebbet which means “shriveled” or …

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Beef Caldereta (Kalderetang Baka)

Beef Caldereta

Though I think pork is mostly the meat of choice in Filipino cuisine, there are beef dishes that are integral in our cooking. Two of the most popular ones are the Beef Mechado and this other hearty stew, Beef Caldereta. People at times get confused as to what the difference is between these two. For …

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Braised Chicken Feet (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Feature

As kids, we were always encouraged to try food that we’re not familiar with at least once before saying “pass”. It was always a challenge to try strange-looking (or those with off putting smell) food but I think that “training” helped me a lot in being more adventurous with trying new dishes. That same rule …

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Beef Pares (Beef Brisket Stew – Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Beef Pares 1

We have lived in Sampaloc, Manila since I started college at UST (University of Santo Tomas). That was also my last place of residence before moving to North America. And though quiet moments were few and far between, I somehow got used to the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Convenience was definitely on …

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Crisp-Tender Fried Calamari

Calamari 1

One of the things my kids miss doing, is heading out to the mall and having their favorite fried calamari meal at Opa! . My daughter would even look forward to going just so she could have her fill while seating at the busy (and noisy) food court. Calamari is just something that’s best eaten …

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Chicken in Asparagus-Ginger Soup

Chicken in Asparagus-Ginger Soup

It’s that time of year when the price of Asparagus is at its lowest. I read somewhere that the season in California starts in February and peaks around April. So when I saw that the price per pound was more than half the usual, I grabbed a bunch and knew exactly what to do with …

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Pork Binagoongan with Fried Eggplant

Pork Binagoongan

Bagoong Alamang (sauteed shrimp paste) is “ulam” by itself. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and you have a meal. The downside to this umami-rich condiment is that it’s a magnet for rice. I don’t think I have ever eaten bagoong with just a tiny bit of rice. That’s why, this is also in the …

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