Authentic Sinigang na Baboy - Filipino Pork Sour Soup

Sinigang na Baboy is a beloved Filipino dish that features tender pork simmered in a tangy tamarind broth, loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for family gatherings, this comforting soup will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into chunks
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 1 radish (labanos), sliced
• 2 cups water spinach (kangkong), trimmed
• 2 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)
• 1 cup tamarind paste or 1 cup fresh tamarind pods
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the pork belly and sauté until browned on all sides.
2. Add the onion and tomatoes to the pot, cooking until the tomatoes are soft and fragrant.
3. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pork is tender.
4. If using fresh tamarind pods, boil them separately in water for about 10 minutes, then mash and strain to extract the juice. Add the tamarind juice to the pot. If using tamarind paste, simply stir it into the broth.
5. Add the radish, eggplant, and string beans to the pot. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the fish sauce and add the green chili peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finally, add the water spinach and simmer for another 2 minutes until wilted.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.