Bicol Express(sinilihan) is a spicy coconut stew from the Bicol region of southern Luzon, Philippines. Filipinos living in Manila popularized the dish and named it Bicol Express after the historic train from Manila to Legazpi. The Bicolano name, sinilihan, means ‘cooked with chili’. It may also be called ginataang sili or gulay na lada.
Bicol Express typically includes bird eye chili[siling labuyo], coconut cream, garlic, shallot, and pork. It may also use krill paste[bagoong alamang]. Haba chili[siling haba] can replace bird eye chili if it’s too spicy; removing chili seeds also reduces spiciness. This version omits meat and opts for chopped mushroom, salt, and pepper.
Recipe
Ingredients
- garlic, minced
- shallot or onion, minced
- oyster mushroom, chopped
- bird eye chili, sliced (substitute haba chili)
- coconut cream
- water
- salt
- black pepper
Method
- saute garlic, shallot
- add mushroom, chili
- add coconut cream, water, salt, pepper
- simmer about 30 minutes
- serve with rice