Sinigang

Sinigang Recipe - A Delicious Filipino Pork Soup with Tamarind and Vegetables

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Sinigang is a traditional Filipino soup known for its sour and savory flavor. This dish is typically made with pork, shrimp, or fish, and is flavored with tamarind, tomatoes, and various vegetables. Sinigang is a popular comfort food in the Philippines and is often enjoyed with steamed rice.

History

Sinigang has been a staple in Filipino cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated from the indigenous people of the Philippines, who used sour fruits like tamarind to flavor their dishes. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of meats and vegetables, making it a versatile and beloved dish in Filipino households.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) pork riblets or pork ribs, country style, cut into pieces
5 cups water
4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1.5 tsp salt
1 medium icicle radish, cut into 1-inch pieces (or 10 red radishes)
0.25 lb (113 g) string beans
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
0.5 lb (227 g) spinach (or cabbage, mustard greens, or watercress)
5 medium sampaloc (tamarind) also available as powder
2 hot banana peppers

How to prepare

In a large pot, bring water and pork to a boil.
Add tomatoes, onion, salt, and tamarind.
Simmer for 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
Optional: If using tamarind fruit, cook the tamarind in a small amount of boiling water until soft. Mash and strain to obtain the juice. Add the tamarind juice to the pork.
Taste for seasoning.
Bring to a boil.
Add string beans and radish, simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the eggplant and hot banana pepper, and simmer for another 3 minutes.
Add spinach, cover, and remove from heat.
Let it stand for 5 minutes to finish cooking the spinach.

Variations

You may use beef (stewing, brisket, shank, or plate) instead of pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Substitute pork with shrimp, fish, or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist to the dish.
Use different vegetables like okra, taro root, or water spinach for variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of sinigang, try adding fish sauce or soy sauce for an extra umami kick.

- For a richer broth, you can also add pork bones or shrimp heads to the pot while simmering.

- Adjust the amount of tamarind according to your preference for sourness.

- To make sinigang more nutritious, add more vegetables like spinach, okra, or bok choy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sinigang hot with steamed rice on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Sinigang is typically cooked by simmering the meat and vegetables in a sour broth until tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the broth becomes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If tamarind is not available, you can use tamarind paste or powder as a substitute. You can also use lemon or lime juice for a similar sour flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Sinigang can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sinigang in a large bowl with a side of steamed rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Sinigang pairs well with crispy fried fish, grilled meats, or fried tofu for a complete meal. Serve with a side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad for added texture.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover sinigang in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Sinigang is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Calcium due to the variety of vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

Sinigang may contain allergens such as shellfish (if using shrimp) and soy (if using soy sauce).

Summary

Sinigang is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Sinigang is a classic Filipino dish that is loved for its tangy and savory flavor. This comforting soup is packed with nutrients and is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy sinigang with your favorite protein and vegetables for a delicious and wholesome dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was during a hot summer day in the Philippines, and my mother and I were visiting my grandmother in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as we walked in, the tantalizing aroma of tamarind and fresh vegetables filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

My grandmother, a petite woman with a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile, greeted us warmly and ushered us to the dining table. She had a large pot simmering on the stove, its contents bubbling away merrily. I watched in fascination as she added chunks of pork, radish, tomatoes, and green beans to the pot, along with a generous amount of tamarind paste. The tangy scent of the tamarind mixed with the savory aroma of the pork and vegetables was intoxicating.

As my grandmother stirred the pot, she regaled us with stories of her own mother teaching her how to make sinigang when she was just a young girl. She explained how the key to a delicious sinigang lies in the perfect balance of sourness from the tamarind, sweetness from the vegetables, and richness from the pork. She also shared with us the secret ingredient that she believed set her sinigang apart from all the rest - a pinch of love.

I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen, tasting and adjusting the seasonings until she was satisfied with the flavor. She then ladled the piping hot sinigang into bowls and served it with a side of steamed rice. The first spoonful of the tangy broth filled my mouth with an explosion of flavors - sour, sweet, savory, and comforting all at once. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, and I couldn't get enough.

From that day on, sinigang became a staple in our family's kitchen. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, for Sunday lunches, or simply whenever we craved a taste of home. She taught me her recipe, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. I learned to appreciate the art of cooking sinigang - the slow simmering of the broth, the careful selection of ingredients, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Over the years, I have made sinigang countless times, experimenting with different variations and adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, introducing them to the wonders of Filipino cuisine. And every time I make sinigang, I feel a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who came before her, passing down their culinary knowledge and love through each steaming bowl of soup.

Sinigang will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of discovery, the warmth of family, and the comfort of home. And whenever I make it, I am transported back to that hot summer day in my grandmother's kitchen, where the scent of tamarind and love lingered in the air, filling me with happiness and gratitude.