Sinigang is a beloved Filipino dish known for its savory and tangy broth, traditionally made with tamarind and filled with a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s a comforting and hearty soup, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly (or shrimp, beef, or fish)
- 1 medium onion (quartered)
- 2 medium tomatoes (quartered)
- 2 cups water or more (depending on the desired soup amount)
- 1 pack tamarind soup base mix (or 1 cup fresh tamarind pulp)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis) or to taste
- 1 medium radish (sliced into rounds)
- 1 bunch kangkong (water spinach) or spinach
- 1 medium eggplant (sliced)
- 3-4 pieces okra (optional)
- 2-3 long green chilies (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Pork: In a large pot, add the pork belly, onion, and tomatoes. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil, and then simmer until the pork becomes tender, about 45 minutes. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add Tamarind Mix: Once the pork is tender, stir in the tamarind soup base mix or fresh tamarind pulp, along with fish sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Add Vegetables: Add the radish, eggplant, okra, and green chilies, and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Finish with Kangkong: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the kangkong leaves (or spinach) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until the leaves wilt.
- Serve: Ladle the Sinigang into bowls and serve hot with steamed rice on the side.
Tips:
- You can substitute pork with shrimp, fish, or beef, depending on your preference.
- Adjust the sourness by adding more or less tamarind mix according to your taste.