Pinakbet

Description
Pinakbet is a vegetarian dish known throughout the Philippines. The main ingredient in this dish is ampalaya also known as "bitter melon". The spice named bagoong (Pork and Shrimp paste) adds a unique flavor.



Ingredients

 * 1 kg. kalabasa/squash, cut into chunks
 * 2 kg. okra
 * 2 kg. long eggplant, sliced ½" thick
 * 2 kg. sitaw (string beans), cut into 2" strips
 * 1 kg. ampalaya, cut into small pieces
 * 1 lb. pork with fat, thinly sliced
 * 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
 * 3 onions, sliced or minced, red, white, or yellow only
 * 4 tsp. shrimp paste
 * cooking oil

Directions

 * 1) In a big wok or an earthenware pot, sauté garlic and onion in oil.
 * 2) Then add the pork and cook until the pork turns light brown in color and is tender.
 * 3) Add the squash first and stir. Then add the other vegetables.
 * 4) Cover the pot or wok and let it simmer in low heat until vegetables are soft and tender.
 * 5) Take the lid off and add the shrimp paste. Be sure not to add a lot.
 * 6) The taste of each vegetable should still be intact. Stir until liquid is nearly gone.
 * 7) Serve hot and plain over rice or with other main dishes but scoop some of the contents into a large plate.