Sinigang na Baboy: A Flavorful Filipino Pork Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into cubes
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 1 radish (labanos), sliced
• 1 cup green beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
• 1 cup water spinach (kangkong)
• 2-3 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)
• 1 packet (1 oz) tamarind soup base (sinigang mix)
• Fish sauce (patis) to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become translucent.
2. Add the quartered tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften, releasing their juices.
3. Incorporate the cubed pork belly into the pot, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
6. Add the sliced radish and green beans to the pot, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but crisp.
7. Stir in the tamarind soup base and adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
8. Lastly, add the green chili peppers and water spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.