Posted by Nez | Jul 21st, 2010

Labong and Saluyot

LABONG (bamboo shoots) and saluyot is one of the most popular Ilocano/Pangasinense dish in the country and worldwide. Labong is a young bamboo stalk and sliced into finely thin strips. Sliced Labong is usually available in wet markets and is abundant during rainy seasons. Labong is prepared and cooked in many ways like adobong labong, ginataang labong and enseladang labong. Yet labong with saluyot is one of the...

Posted by Nez | Jul 9th, 2010

Ginisang Kalabasa

GINISANG KALABASA is a hearty, hefty, and simple Filipino vegetable dish sautéed in fresh shrimp paste. If you have allergies with shrimp paste or you simply not acquainted with it, you can season the dish with salt as a replacement. Still, you will get almost the same taste of Ginisang Kalabasa. Pinoy vegetable dishes are best paired with a fried fish and steaming white rice and a dip like bagoong with kalamansi...

Posted by Nez | May 17th, 2010

Ginataang Laing (Taro Leaves)

My sister’s friend who is from Bicol taught me the original Bicolano way of cooking GINATAANG LAING. Ginataang Laing is a classic dish of Bicolanos – taro or gabi leaves simmered in coconut milk (gata). Of course nobody can call it a Bicolano dish without the kick of red chili peppers. There are many versions of Ginataang Laing. I used to cook them with shrimp paste or alamang, some cook them with...

Posted by Nez | Feb 23rd, 2010

Ginisang Kamatis (Sauteed Tomatoes)

February is not just a season to celebrate the romantic spell of Valentine’s Day but the time of year to feast with the abundance of tomatoes. Tomatoes are sold in the wet market for only 5 pesos per kilo. Yeah, you read it right, FIVE PESOS per kilo. Some vendors actually even sell the over-ripped ones for only 3 pesos. I arrived home from the market, Royce asked me, “Hindi ba OA ito? (Are you not...

Posted by Nez | Sep 14th, 2009

Ginisang Talong (Sauteed Eggplants in Shrimp Paste)

Talong or Eggplant is very abundant and affordable in the country that most homemakers try to prepare in variety of ways. Talong is very famous ingredient for Pinakbet. It can also be cooked as Tortang Talong, Baked Eggplant and Stuffed Eggplant. Some even used eggplants for pasta dishes. I have bought on a bargain 3 kilos of Talong (eggplant) from the wet market. It cost me only 10 pesos a kilo. Some were cooked...

Posted by Nez | Sep 6th, 2009

Fresh Vegetable Salad Dip

Fresh Vegetable Salad Dip is a composed salad where its vegetables are artfully assembled together and placed on a plate and its dressing is drizzled over the top. The healthful benefits of vegetables give more elegance and attraction to Fresh Garden Salad, makes us always notice them not only on the table but on our plates. I prepared this Fresh Garden Salad for my friend, Tina, who came to pay a visit few days...

Posted by Nez | Sep 3rd, 2009

Banana Blossom Burger

Banana Blossom Burger (Puso ng Saging) is a no meat burger that you will praise for keeps.  I never thought Banana Blossoms would taste like a real meat! Absolutely a great tasting patty alternative to meat burgers. Banana Blossom Burger is a supreme vegetarian burger patty. So, vegetarian people, hurry to your nearest grocery and get a piece or two of banana blossoms and prepare to get amazed with the bursting...

Posted by Nez | Aug 28th, 2009

Ginisang Sardinas (Sauteed Sardines)

I cooked Ginisang Sardinas or Sauteed Sardines with Cabbage last night to go along with the Fried Chicken Necks. I am not a fan of eating sardines from the can. I find it too fishy so I sautee sardines in garlic and onion to remove the fishy smell. 2 tbps. cooking oil 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 1 clove onion, peeled and minced 1 small cabbage, touch core removed, cut into 1 inch strips 1 can sardines in...

Posted by Nez | Aug 4th, 2009

Filipino Chopsuey

Vegetable dishes serve as the other half of the plate or counterweight of a balanced meal. Pairing sweeter vegetables with more full-bodied and robust main courses, mild or slightly seasoned vegetables with intense flavored meats, and sweet-and-sour pickled vegetables as side dish with a mellow grilled, steamed or fried fish or meat. Imagine the texture and taste – a creamy and chewy mashed potatoes with...

Posted by Nez | Jul 16th, 2009

Beef with Bitter Gourd (Beef with Ampalaya)

The Philippine Star front page photo in today’s issue highlighted activist of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Three women painted their bodies green and posed for an advocacy to go vegetarian during the animal rights campaign activity. Going green is becoming a popular and wise choice for many individuals and families. Vegetarianism is following a diet that is excluding animal products such...