Paksiw Na Pata (Pork Leg Stew)

Pork leg is a prized ingredient in Filipino cooking. In fact, crispy pata (deep-fried pork leg) is an honored tradition in the menu of both fine dining restaurants as well as the corner carinderia(food stall).

One other popular way of cooking pata is by simmering it in vinegar and other spices.  The process is called paksiw. It is akin to the Chinese pata tim.

Paksiw na pata can be as vinegary, salty or sweet as you want it to be.  But as always, a good balance is best!

Ingredients

1 lb pork leg, sliced2 cups water1/2 cup white vinegar1/2 cup soy sauce3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed1 small white onion, sliced3 leaves, dried basilSalt and pepper to taste1 cup banana blossoms1/3 cup brown sugar1/2 cup 7-Up

Directions

Remove the pistil and calyx from the banana blossoms.  Soak them in the 7-Up and store in refrigerator overnight.

In a large pot, place sliced pork legs, water, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onions, basil, brown sugar and salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil. After three minutes, reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.  In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add in banana blossoms, including the 7-Up.

Remove from heat and serve warm with steamed rice.