Sinigang na Baboy: A Classic Filipino Pork Sinigang

Sinigang na Baboy is a beloved Filipino dish that combines tender pork with a tangy tamarind broth and fresh vegetables. This savory and sour soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into chunks
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup tamarind paste or 1 cup fresh tamarind pods
• 2 cups water spinach (kangkong) or bok choy
• 1 cup radish (labanos), sliced
• 2 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis)
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon 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 cook until browned on all sides.
2. Add the quartered onions and tomatoes to the pot, sautéing until the tomatoes are soft.
3. Pour in the 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.
4. Add the tamarind paste (or fresh tamarind pods) and peppercorns. Simmer the broth for about 45 minutes or until the pork is tender.
5. Add the sliced radish, eggplant, and string beans. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the water spinach and green chili peppers. Season with fish sauce and salt to taste, then cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Sinigang na Baboy with steamed rice!