Pinakbet (Meat Vegetable Stew with Shrimp Paste)

Ingredients :

· 1/2 lb. pork, sliced
· 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 onion, chopped
· 2 tomatoes, chopped
· 1/2 squash, cubed
· 2 cups sliced okra
· 2 cups 1-1/2 inch long cut sitaw (yard long beans)
· 2 eggplants, sliced
· 1 ampalaya (bitter gourd and/or bitter melon), sliced
· 1 to 1-1/2 cup water
· 2 to 3 tbsp. bagoong alamang (salted shrimp paste)

(Measurement Guides)

Cooking Procedures :

1. In a large, deep skillet (or casserole), heat oil over medium heat. Cook pork until it turns slightly brown.

2. Stir in garlic, onions and tomatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until tomatoes wilted.

3. Add squash and okra, stir-fry for a minute or two and then add the rest of the vegetables. Gently stir to combine.

4. Pour in water and add the bagoong alamang, and bring to a boil.

5. Lower the heat and simmer covered over low heat until vegetables are tender. Be sure not to overcook it. You may wish to correct the taste by adding a little bit of bagoong alamang. Gently stir to blend.

6. Immediately remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot.