Grilled Eggplant

Filipino Style Recipe: grilled eggplant or inihaw na talong is an easy and simple dish that is commonly served as side dish. The eggplants broiled then peeled off the skin and served with sauteed shrimp paste.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 20-30 minutes
Good for 4 servings

Ingredients:
4 large eggplants(talong)
1/2 cup sauteed shrimp paste(I used Dizon Farm Shrimp Paste)

Procedures:
1. Broil eggplants until skin are charred and blister. Let it cool.
2. Peel off the skin then transfer to serving plate.
3. Mash lightly the eggplant with a fork then serve with sauteed shrimp paste.

Atsarang Kangkong

Filipino Style Recipe: Atsara or atcharang kangkong(pickled water spinach) is another variety of popular Filipino pickle. The primary ingredients is kangkong stems(water spinach stems) then mixed with slices of carrots, bell pepper, ginger, onion, garlic and other vegetables. Raisins, pineapple or ground pepper maybe added to complete the mixture. Placed in airtight jars then refrigerate and serve as side dish for fried or grilled food.

Ingredients:
500 grams kangkong stems, cut into 2-3 inch then steamed
1 large carrots, sliced thinly
2 red bell peppers, sliced thinly
1/2 cup raisins
1 large white onion, julienned
2 tablespoons ginger, chopped
1 head garlic, peeled and sliced thinly
100 grams green beans, cut into 1 inch diagonally(optional)
5 pieces dried crab shells(optional)

Picking Solution:
2 cups cane vinegar
2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, ginger, onion, sugar, salt and pepper then bring to boil.
2. Add the remaining ingredients then mix well. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

Part 2
1. In a large bottle, place the combined vegetables then pour over the vinegar mixture.
2. Seal tight the bottle then refrigerate for at least overnight before serving. Enjoy:)

Classic Potato Salad

Filipino Style Recipe: Classic potato salad is one of the popular salad that usually serve in any occasions. It is consists of boiled potato chunks tossed in mayonnaise, bacon tidbits, parsley, spring onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper for salad dressing. This is usually serve as side dish together with your favorite pasta.

Estimated time of preparation: 20-30 minutes. Good for 3-4 persons

Ingredients:
1 kilo potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup ham or smokey bacon tidbits
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 cup spring onion, chopped
3 tablespoons lemon or calamansi juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon mustard(optional)
3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped(optional)
1/2 cup celery, chopped(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a large pot, boil water with salt then cook potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
2. Drain and Let it cool then place in a large bowl. Set aside.

Part 2
1. In a bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended.
2. Pour over potatoes then toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.