Sinigang na Baboy: Filipino Pork Sinigang Soup

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork belly, 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)
• 2-3 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

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pork belly and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface, then add the quartered onion and tomatoes. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the pork is tender.
3. If using fresh tamarind, boil the pods in a small pot of water until soft, then mash and strain to extract the juice. If using tamarind paste, dissolve it in 1 cup of water.
4. Add the tamarind juice or paste to the pot, along with the fish sauce. Stir well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Add the sliced radish and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Finally, add the water spinach and green chili peppers. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
7. Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.