Pinakbet
Pinakbet is the vegetable stew that best represents the culinary identity of the Ilocos region in northern Luzon, an area known for its simple, peasant cooking that values locally grown seasonal vegetables above all else. The name derives from the Ilocano word "pinakebbet", meaning "shrunk" or "shriveled", precisely describing how the vegetables shrink and concentrate in flavour as they slowly cook together. The authentic Ilocano recipe usually avoids excess meat, focusing on vegetables, while the Tagalog variants, more popular in the rest of the country, often add more bacon or shrimp for extra richness. Fermented shrimp paste, known as bagoong, remains the defining ingredient that ties all the different vegetables into a single coherent, salty and deep flavour, and the dish is considered a perfect example of the Filipino philosophy of turning humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying.
Eggplant and squash
Vegetables cut into large pieces, lightly cooked
Pumpkin
Pumpkin chunks that partially melt into the stew
Shrimp paste
Salty bagoong for deep umami flavour
Bacon bits
Crispy bacon mixed among the vegetables
Ingredients 4 servings
- 1 large eggplant, cut into large pieces
- 1 bitter gourd (ampalaya), sliced
- 200 g squash, large cubes
- 150 g long beans, cut
- 150 g cherry tomatoes
- 100 g bacon, cut into strips
- 3 tbsp shrimp paste (bagoong)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
How to make it
- 1Fry the bacon strips in a large pan over medium heat until crispy, then remove and leave the rendered fat in the pan.
- 2Sauté the onion and garlic in the remaining bacon fat, until translucent and fragrant.
- 3Add the shrimp paste and fry for a minute, mixing well to release its aroma.
- 4Add the squash cut into large cubes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften slightly.
- 5Add the long beans and the eggplant cut into pieces, continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.
- 6Add the bitter gourd and cherry tomatoes, stirring gently so as not to crush the delicate vegetables.
- 7Cover the pan and let simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, until all the vegetables become tender but keep their shape.
- 8Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top just before serving, to preserve its distinctive crunchy texture.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
