Kusinang Pinoy's Pinakbet (Sauteed Vegetables With Shrimp Paste)
Johnny Ventura
Kusinang Pinoy's Johnny Ventura shares an Ilocano favorite, pinakbet.
Kusinang Pinoy's Pinakbet (Photo by Ivan Kevin Castro)
Ingredients
3 medium-size eggplants, cut into 2-inch cubes½ squash, cut into 2-inch cubes2 cups bitter melon, cut into 2-inch lengths (take out the soft center and the seeds, then cut into 2-inch long pieces)10-ounce package frozen okra10-ounce package frozen lima beans½ cup water2 tablespoons vegetable or corn oil½ cup finely chopped onion1 tablespoon finely minced garlic4 ripe tomatoes, cubed½ cup sautéed–type shrimp paste12 pieces of lechon kawali (Filipino crispy fried pork belly)salt and pepper to taste
Procedure
Saute garlic and onion in hot oil until onion is transparent. Stir and cook for 15 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Add shrimp paste and stir for 3 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Add okra, squash, eggplant, bitter melon and lima beans. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread lechon kawali on top.