Sinigang na Baboy: Traditional Filipino Pork Soup

Sinigang na Baboy is a beloved Filipino pork soup known for its vibrant and tangy flavor. This comforting dish features tender pork and a variety of vegetables simmered in a sour broth, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly or pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 1 radish (labanos), sliced
• 1 cup green beans (sitaw), trimmed
• 1 cup water spinach (kangkong) or bok choy
• 2-3 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)
• 1/4 cup tamarind paste or 1 cup fresh tamarind pods
• Fish sauce (patis) to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the pork and simmer for about 30 minutes until the meat is tender.
2. Add the onions and tomatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the radish and green beans. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Dissolve the tamarind paste in a small amount of hot water if using paste, or boil the fresh tamarind pods in the soup for 10 minutes to extract the sour flavor. Strain and add the liquid to the pot.
5. Add the green chili peppers and season the broth with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Finally, add the water spinach or bok choy and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice.