Filipino Sinigang: Funny name... delicious soup for the family

After 34 years I've grown to really enjoy Filipino foods... but the one that it took me a while to sneak up to was their version of soup - Sinigang. Now I consider it a staple for lunch, for dinner, for any time we want something a little different.

I even find myself asking the wife if she wants to hold back three or four porkchops just so she can make sinigang with them.

The reason why I struggled to learn to like it is because it can be a little "sour" to American taste buds. But if you like Chinese hot and sour soup... you should really enjoy this also. I encourage you to give it a try.

Pork Sinigang Ingredients:

1 package Knorr sampalok seasoning (available at Asian food stores)

½ lb Pork, cut into chunks

3 tomatoes, sliced

1 medium eggplant, (peeled if you like) diced into 1/4 inch cubes

2 onions, diced

5 cloves of garlic, minced

8 - 10 large spinach leaves

2 cups String beans

2 medium pieces Daikon (Asian white radish), sliced

2 jalapanos (optional)

3 tablespoons of patis (Asian fish sauce, or substitute one tablespoon anchovy paste)

8 cups water

Sinigang Cooking Instructions:

In a pot, sauté garlic and onion then add the tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Add pork and fish sauce then add the water and the contents of the Knorr package. Bring to a boil then simmer for 30 minutes or until the pork is tender.

Add the radish and eggplant, simmer for 10 minutes then add the string beans, spinach and jalapanos (for spice-optional).

Let boil for 2 minutes.

Serve piping hot with rice on the side.

Sinigang Cooking Tip:

Instead of pork, you can substitute a fish such as tilapia or a dozen shrimp. Or fish and shrimp at the same time. Just wait until much later in the cooking before adding to ensure it doesn't overcook.

If you liked this recipe I encourage you to browse around my other hubs and see what else you'll enjoy. I assure you that you'll find something that will be of interest.