Charantia (Ampalaya)

Mixed vegetables with shrimp paste. A special balance of flavours in a healthy package. Here’s how to cook Pinakbet Ilocano.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 kilo pork, thinly diced
• 7 small tomatoes, cubed
• 4 tbsp. shrimp paste (bagoong)
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 medium sized eggplants, sliced
• 1 medium sized Ampalaya
• 5 medium sized okra (ladies’ fingers)

Directions

1. Heat Oil in a saucepan and saute garlic and onions.
2. Add pork and half a cup of warm water. Stir and cook until meat is soft.
3. Add ginger and tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp paste and remaining half-cup water. Bring to boil.
5. Mix in the Amplaya, eggplants and okra.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve Immediately.