Pinakbet is an Ilocano dish from the northern Philippines made from local vegetables stewed until shriveled. Eggplant, okra, and bitter melon are typical ingredients. Fish paste is normally used for flavoring. Other ingredients can be added, such as long bean, alukon, and seasonal greens. Pinakbet pairs well with rice.
Dinengdeng and buridibod are similar Ilocano dishes. A variation of pinakbet, usually with pumpkin added, has become part of Tagalog cuisine. Other related dishes can be found throughout the Philippines.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 clove garlic, minced
- 2 shallot, sliced
- ginger, minced
- 1 filipino eggplant
- 8 okra
- 8 long bean
- ½ bitter melon(paria)
- 2 tbsp fish paste(bugguong monamon)[substitute fish sauce or soy sauce]
- ½ cup water
Method
- saute garlic, shallot, ginger
- add long bean, okra, eggplant, bitter melon
- add fish paste, water
- simmer, covered, until vegetables shrivel and liquid is reduced
- shake or stir
- uncover and steam off any extra liquid
- serve