Do you love sinigang, but find it tedious to make the tamarind broth from scratch? Try this classic sinigang recipe made with the help of Maggi sinigang mix. Now you can quickly make this Filipino favorite anytime you want it.
Brief history of Sinigang
Sinigang is one of the favorite food of most Filipinos. So, before discussing about sinigang recipe, let us talk first about the history of this sour soup.
Sinigang means “stewed” since the word “sinigang” is derived from the verb “sigang,” which means “to stew.”
The stew, which is really more of a soup because of the lighter broth, simmers a protein with veggies in a sour broth. The sourness is derived from sour fruits, usually tamarind, never from vinegar.
Although this is a soup, it is not like a traditional western soup course. Instead, because it is prepared in large quantities for a family or gathering, it is regarded as a main dish. The sourness and heat of sinigang, like those of other soups prepared in Southeast Asia’s hot and muggy climate, refresh and cool people even in the hottest months of the year.
Image from shutterstock
Although its history is a little murky, Sinigang is thought to have started in the Philippines during the pre-colonial era. For ages, the indigenous inhabitants of the Philippines have used tamarind as a souring agent in their food. The meal probably changed over time as many locations and ethnic groups added their own twists. As immigrants from the provinces carried sinigang to Manila and other cities, it gained popularity in the 20th century. It is even recognized as the Philippines’ national dish and is served in Filipino restaurants all over the world.
Sinigang recipe: How to make Pork Sinigang
Pork sinigang recipe | Ingredients
- ½ kilo pork belly (liempo), cubed
- 1 liter water
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 green finger chili (siling haba)
- 1 small radish, sliced
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 8 okra, sliced
- 4 string beans (sitaw), cut into 2 ½” pieces
- 1 22g pack sinigang sa sampalok mix
- 2 bundles water spinach (kangkong)
Image from shutterstock
Pork sinigang recipe | Procedure
- Combine pork and water in a pot. Bring to a boil and remove the scum.
- Add tomatoes, onion and green chili. Simmer for 45 minutes or until pork is tender.
- Add radish and eggplant to the pot, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add okra and string beans, and simmer for 2 minutes more.
- Empty the sachet of sinigang mix into the soup.
- Stir in the water spinach and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
This sinigang recipe serves 7-9 persons.
Updates by Jobelle Macayan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan
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