Pinakbet or Pakbet (Meat Vegetable Stew with Shrimp Paste)

Ingredients :

• 1/2 lb. pork, sliced
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 squash, cubed
• 2 cups sliced okra
• 2 cups 1-1/2 inch long cut sitaw (yard long beans)
• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 ampalaya (bitter gourd and/or bitter melon), sliced
• 1 to 1-1/2 cup water
• 2 to 3 tbsp. bagoong alamang (salted shrimp paste)

Cooking Procedures :

1. In a large, deep skillet (or casserole), heat oil over medium heat. Cook pork until it turns slightly brown.
2. Stir in garlic, onions and tomatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until tomatoes wilted.
3. Add squash and okra, stir-fry for a minute or two and then add the rest of the vegetables. Gently stir to combine.
4. Pour in water and add the bagoong alamang, and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer covered over low heat until vegetables are tender. Be sure not to overcook it. You may wish to correct the taste by adding a little bit of bagoong alamang. Gently stir to blend.
6. Immediately remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish. Serve hot.