Delicious Sinigang na Baboy: A Heartwarming Filipino Soup

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly, cut into chunks
• 8 cups water
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups tamarind paste or 1 cup fresh tamarind pods
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2-3 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)
• 1 cup radish, sliced
• 1 cup eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup water spinach (kangkong), chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pork belly and water, then bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off any scum that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.
2. Add the quartered onion and tomatoes to the pot, then cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pork is tender.
3. If using fresh tamarind pods, boil them in a separate pot with a little water until soft, then mash and strain the mixture to extract the juice. If using tamarind paste, simply dissolve it in the broth.
4. Once the pork is tender, stir in the fish sauce and the tamarind juice or paste. Adjust the sourness to your preference.
5. Add the sliced radish, eggplant, and green beans to the pot. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
6. Finally, add the chopped water spinach and green chili peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Filipino dish!