Suam Mais (Corn Soup)

Suam Mais is a corn soup dish from Pampanga, Philippines. Delicious and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:
4 pieces young white malagkit corn
1/4 kilo pork
3 cups water (add if needed)
2 cups camote tops ( talbos ng camote)
3 cloves garlic
1/2 onion
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the pork, stir until it is brownish,  add the corn and simmer for a minute.
2. Add the water, salt and pepper, simmer until the corn is tender.
3. Add the  camote tops and simmer until done and turn off the heat.
4. Serve it hot.

Simple Ratatouille

Ratatouille (/ˌrætəˈtuːiː/ rat-ə-TOO-ee; French: [ʁataˈtuj]) is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. The full name of the dish is ratatouille niçoise.[1]

Origin
The word ratatouille comes from Occitan ratatolha and the recipe comes from Occitan cuisine. Ratatouille originated in the area around present day Occitan Provença (French: Provence) and Niça (French: Nice); the Catalan samfaina and the Majorcan tombet are versions of the same dish.[2] The southern Italian ciambotta is a related spring vegetable dish.
To read more click the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratatouille

Piperade Mixture/ Sauce:
 1 Onion chopped
 2 Carrots unpeeled and grated 
4 Celery sticks 
1 Tablespoons Minced garlic 
1 Red bell pepper Charred, peeled, seeds and ribs removed 
1 yellow bell pepper charred, peeled , seeds and ribs removed 
2 Red chillies charred, peeled, seeds and ribs removed. (Optional) 
850 grams tomato sauce
2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil 
6 Fresh basil leaves. 
Salt and Pepper to taste

Vegetables:  
2 Zucchinis sliced 
2 Japanese or Chinese eggplants sliced 
6 Roma tomatoes sliced 

Procedure for the piperade mixture: 
1. Saute the onion with the olive oil until translucent ( do not brown). Add the celery, carrots, garlic and continue to saute until softened. 
2. Mix in the bell peppers,chillies and the tomato sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then simmer until done. Add the basil leaves. Set aside
3. In a blender, blend the whole mixture into a thick sauce. Pour the mixture into a large pan (oven proof) / casserole dish. 

To Assemble the ratatouille:
4. Take a slice of each vegetable, put them together and stick them half way in the sauce 
5. Repeat the process until the pan is full of vegetables in a circular or preferred design. 

6. Finally, drizzle some olive oil on top, salt, pepper and some dried herbs (basil, oregano and thyme). Cover with an aluminium foil. 
7. Bake it in the oven (300 F for about 2 hours). Remove the foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 F to caramelize. Serve and Enjoy.


Contributed by: Gabriel Eli Ndegwa

If yellow squash is available you can add it for this recipe

Now, it is time to watch the ratatouille movie :) 

Stuffed Potato ( Relyenong patatas)

Affordable, easy and yummy. Try it.

Ingredients for 3 servings:
3 pieces potato Medium size
100 grams ground beef
1 carrot ( grated)
1/2 cup chopped broccoli
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 onion (minced)
salt and pepper to taste


Procedure:
1. Boil the potatoes and remove the skin then cut into halves, remove some part in the middle to make a space for stuffing, then set aside.
2. Saute the garlic and onion then add the ground beef and simmer for 2 minutes add the carrots and broccoli, stir well then add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for a minute and turn off the heat.
3. Get the potatoes and fill each slice with the  filling, put together each pair with a toothpick, dip in a beaten egg and roll over the bread crumbs, secure with a toothpick, then bake in a pre-heated oven for 13 minutes at 200C.

4. Remove the toothpicks, slice then serve and enjoy.

The potato parts  that I removed to make a space for stuffing, I also sliced it and add to the filling. :-)

Ginataang Labong with Kalabasa

This is really yummy and in fact one of the best seller in my sister's eatery. I will be happy eating this everyday :-).


Ingredients:
1/4 kilo bamboo shoots ( boiled and drained)
1/4 kilo shrimps
1/2 kilo squash ( cubed)
1 cup pure coconut milk ( kakang gata)
2 cups thin coconut milk ( hindi kakang gata)
1 small onion
2 cups cleaned saluyot
salt to taste

Procedure:
1. In a pot, put the thin coconut milk, bring to boil then put the boiled bamboo shoots, squash, shrimps, salt and onion then continue cooking until it's almost done.
2. Put the saluyot and  simmer for 2 minutes then put the pure coconut milk, simmer for a minute then turn off the heat.
3. Serve it hot.

Fiesta Eggplant Salad

A superb eggplant salad for the whole family, loaded with nutritious ingredients. Try it now :-)

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo eggplant
1/2 cup raisins
1 small onion (diced)
1 big tomato (diced)
1/2 cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
spring onion to sprinkle
2 tablespoons lemon or calamansi juice
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Boil or grill the eggplant until cooked, then diced.
2. Combine all the ingredients, sprinkle with spring onion then serve and enjoy.

Ensaladang Kangkong

Masarap na masustansya pa, kaya subukan nyo na ang potaheng ito.


Mga sangkap:
2 Tali kangkong
2 Kamatis 
1 sibuyas
2 tablespoons calamansi Juice
Asin ayon sa iyong panglasa
Pamintang durog ayon sa iyong panlasa

Paraan ng Pagluluto:
1. Linisin ang kangkong, magpakulo ng tubig at kapag kulong-kulo na ilagay ang kangkong at pagklipas ng ilang segundo ay hanguin, ilagay sa isang tabi para tumulo ang tubig.
2. Hiwain ang kamatis at sibuyas ayon sa iyong ibig, paghaluin  ang lahat ng mga sangkap.Pwedeng budburan ng hiniwang dahon ng sibuyas kung ibig mo.
3. Ihain na may pagmamahal :-).

Sauteed String Beans and Squash

A delicious and nutritious vegetable dish that is budget friendly.


Ingredients:
1 kilos Squash
2 bunches String beans
1/4 kilo shrimps
1/4 kilo ground beef
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 cup water ( add if needed)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the ground beef and continue to saute for 2 minutes then add the shrimps, simmer for a minute.
2. Add the water  and let boil then add the squash and string beans, stir well then simmer and stir until almost done.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste,  stir and simmer until done, then turn off the heat.
4. Serve with a smile.

Boiled Potato with Butter

I just wanna share this simple yet satisfying comfort food. I cooked this after a long day at work, while getting to be comfy and well sorted before eating my dinner I just on the stove and leave this cooking, when I am done doing my stuffs, my dinner is done too!! Yummy boiled potatoes.

Ingredients:
3 Potatoes 
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste


Procedure:
1. Put the potatoes in a pot then put water up to the level of the potato and cook over medium heat until done.
2. When cooked, remove from water cut cross on top then spread the butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper  then serve.

Ginataang Gulay

This is the vegetable dish that I always let my mom cook at our farm during my younger days, because for me this is so yummy, the coconut milk makes the taste so creamy and yummy. I learned this from her.

Ingredients for 10 servings
250 grams any fish of your choice ( cleaned and fried)
500 grams squash
250 grams eggplant 
250 grams string beans
1 bunch talbos ng camote
6 okra pods
1 bunch of malunggay ( cleaned)
3 cups thin coconut milk
1 cup thick coconut milk
onion
ginger
salt to taste

Procedure:
1. In a pot put the ginger, fried fish  and 3 cups coconut milk then bring to a boil.
2. Add the squash then simmer until almost half cooked then add the string beans, eggplant and okra then simmer and add the green leafy vegetables, simmer until almost done.
3. Add the  thick coconut milk, salt to taste then simmer until cooked.
4. Serve it hot.

Easy Tortang Talong

Cooking the tortang talong without flour makes your torta soft and juicy. I love it like this.

Ingredients:
1 kilo eggplant  ( boiled or grilled then clean fully)
6 pieces eggs ( beaten)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Flatten the eggplants and set aside
2. Put salt and pepper in the beaten eggs then mix well. Dip the eggplant  in the beaten eggs then fry both sides until fully cooked.
3. Serve and enjoy.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Green Beans Delight

Crunchy green beans loaded with my favorite chicken and shrimps, very rich in flavor, mmmmm :).

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo green beans/ Baguio beans
150 grams chicken breast (cut to your desired size)
150 grams shrimps ( de-shelled)
3 gloves garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute garlic then add the chicken and saute until brownish then add the soy sauce and shrimps and stir for 30 seconds.
2. Increase the heat then add the green beans and stir until almost done, add salt and pepper to taste then continue to stir until done.
3. Serve with love :-).

Battered Broccoli

This is a very good side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients for 3-4 servings:
1 big head broccoli ( cleaned and florets separated)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 egg beaten
water ( enough to make a good batter)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Boil the broccoli until half cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Combine the water, egg, salt, pepper and flour then mix well until batter is smooth.
3. Dip each broccoli floret into the batter and deep fry until done.
4. Serve with fried or grilled fish or meat.

Ginisang Sitaw at Kalabasa

It's always ginataang sitaw at kalabasa everytime we have string beans (sitaw) and squash (kalabasa) that's why today I broke the usual routine, I sauteed the string beans and squash (ginisang sitaw at kalabasa) and it turned out good.

Ingredients for 8-10 servings:
2 kilos Squash
1/2 kilo String beans
1/4 kilo pork
1/4 kilo shrimps
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the pork and continue to saute for 2 minutes then add the soy sauce and simmer for a minute.
2. Add the shrimps and stir well, add the water  and let boil then add the squash and string beans, stir well then simmer and stir until almost done.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste,  stir and simmer for a minute then turn off the heat.
4. Serve with a smile.

Special Binagoongang Talong

The price of the eggplants at the market today is very cheap that's why I bought a lot and decided to make some for eggplant binagoongan.

Ingredients:
1 kilo eggplant
2 tablespoons shrimp paste ( bagoong alamang)
3 cloves garlic
1 onion
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 cup water
salt if needed

Procedure:
1. Fried the eggplant then set aside.

2. Saute the garlic and onion then add the shrimp paste and simmer for 2 minutes add the ground pepper and water then let boil, add the fried eggplant and stir until mixed well, add salt if needed then turn off the heat.
3. Serve hot with rice :-).

Ensaladang Pako

Thanks to my niece ( Miss Arianne) for sharing this fiddlehead fern salad or ensaladang Pako.


Health Effects of fiddlehead ferns
"Fiddleheads contain various vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are a source of antioxidants and dietary fibre.[2] They are low in sodium, but rich in potassium, which may make them suitable for people who need a low-sodium diet.[5]

Fiddleheads may harbour microbes, and should be washed and cooked before eating.[2]

Many ferns also contain the enzyme thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine. This can lead to beriberi and other vitamin B complex deficiencies if consumed to excess or if one's diet is lacking in these vitamins.[6]".
 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddlehead_fern

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo fiddlehead fern ( Cut and cleaned)
1 onion 
3 tomatoes 
1 almost ripe mango 
1/4 teaspoon sugar or to taste
3/4 cup vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Boil 3 cups of water then blanched the fern, drain and set aside.
2. slice the onion, mango and tomatoes according to your desired size then combine it with the fern together with the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Serve and enjoy.




Contributed by : Miss Arianne Maravilla

Ginisang Talong

Simple yet yummy.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo eggplant ( sliced to your desired size)
3 cloves garlic
1 onion
2 tablespoons soy sauce or according to your taste
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the eggplant and stir well over high heat. Cover for a minute then stir again.
2. Add the soy sauce and pepper then simmer over medium heat, add salt if needed then simmer until cooked.
3. Serve hot and enjoy.

Eggplant Steak

A simple dish that will surely satisfy you. Try it.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
1/2  kilo eggplant ( slice to your desired side)
2 onions cut into rings
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon or calamansi juice
salt  and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Fried the eggplant and set aside.
2. Saute the onion then add the fried eggplant, soy sauce and lemon juice then stir well.

3. Add salt and pepper if needed then simmer for a minute and turn off the ehat.
4. Serve with rice and do not forget to smile :-).

Sauteed Mixed Vegetables

Healthy and delicious.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
1/4 kilo pork
1/4 kilo green beans
3 medium size carrots
1/2 kilo Brussels Sprouts
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoon soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Brussels sprouts

Procedure:
1.  Saute the garlic and onion then add the pork and continue to saute until pinkish color is gone.
2. Add the brussels sprouts, carrots and green beans then continue to saute until half cooked.
3. Add soy sauce, salt and pepper then continue to cook until done.
4. Serve it hot.

Monggo with Hipon

An affordable viand for rainy days, delicious and keeps you warm.

Ingredients:
1/4 kilo mung beans (monggo)
1/4 kilo shrimps
1 bunch camote tops (talbos ng camote)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 onion (minced)
5 cups water ( add if needed)
salt to taste

mung bean-monggo

Procedure:
1. Put the water and mung bean in a pot then boil the mung bean until tender and set aside.
2. Saute the garlic and onion then add the shrimps and continue to saute until pinkish then add the cooked mung beans and simmer for 5 minutes, add salt to taste.
3. Add the camote tops and simmer for a minute then turn off the heat and serve with fried fish for extra flavor. :-).

Ginataang Sigarilyas

I picked some winged beans or sigarilyas from my sister's garden today, it's so fresh that's why I was tempted to picked it but of course I asked her permission. I cooked it and gave her some and she said it's yummy. 
Carabansos in Visayan dialect.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
1/2 kilo winged beans ( sliced and cleaned)
1 small onion
1 teaspoon ginger strips
1 1/2 cup thin coconut milk
3/4 cup pure coconut milk
1 tablespoon shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
salt if needed

winged beans-sigarilyas

Procedure:
1. In a pan put the thin coconut milk, onion, ginger and shrimp paste then bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. When boiling add the winged beans (sigarilyas) then stir and simmer until half cooked. Add salt  if needed, then add the pure coconut milk and simmer until done.

3. Serve it hot with rice and enjoy.