Pinakbet

Here's a nice recipe for Pinakbet (Philippine Vegetable Stew with Pork) from Vicky's part of the Philippines, Ilocos Sur!

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 pound pork, diced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 3 tablespoons shrimp paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 pound Japanese eggplant, sliced in 1" rounds
• 1/2 pound okra, whole
• 2 bitter melon, seeds removed and sliced crosswise into slices

Add tomatoes, shrimp paste, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.

Add eggplant, okra, and bittermelon. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more shrimp paste or salt if desired.

Makes 5-6 servings

Recipe Approved by Vicky Wisti