Atsarang Labong(Picked Bamboo Shoots)

Filipino Style Recipe: Atsara or atcharang labong is another variety of popular Filipino pickle. The primary ingredients is bamboo shoots(labong) 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 bamboo shoots(labong), cut into strips
1 large carrots, cut into strips
2 red bell peppers, cut into strips
200 grams green beans, cut into 1 inch diagonally(optional)
1/2 cup raisins
Onion, julienned
2 tablespoons ginger, julienned
1 head garlic, peeled and minced

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

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pot, pour water and add bamboo shoots, uncover and bring to boil for 5 minutes or until soften. Drain and let it cool.

Part 2
1. In a saucepan, combine pickling solution then bring to boil. Remove from heat.
2. In a large bowl, Combine all the ingredients together with pickling solution then mix well. Let it cool.
3. Pour the mixture into airtight jar then refrigerate for at least 2-3 days before serving.

Denengdeng na Labong at Saluyot

Filipino Style Recipe: denengdeng na labong at saluyot is a native ilocano dish from Northern part of Luzon. It is a simple and easy yet healthy vegetable dish consisting of bamboo shoots, jute leaves, bagoong isda boiled until tender.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 20-30 minutes
Good for 4-5 persons

Ingredients:
500 grams bamboo shoots(labong), sliced
2 bundles jute leaves(saluyot) , trimmed
4 slices milk fish or tilapia(fried or grilled),(optional)
3 tablespoons fermented fish(bagoong isda)
1 onion, chopped
4-6 cups water
salt to taste

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pot, pour water then add bamboo shoots. uncover and simmer for at least 40 minutes or until soften. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a bowl, dilute bagoong isda in 2 cups hot water, strain and reserve the juice.

Part 3
1. In a pot, boil 4 cups water then add onion.
2. Pour the juice from bagoong isda and simmer for a minute. Remove the scum that rises.
3. Add labong and simmer for 3 minutes. Add jute leaves and fried fish then season with salt.
4. Simmer for a minute then turn off the heat. Serve with steamed rice

Adobong Labong

Filipino Style Recipe: adobong labong or bamboo shoots adobo is another easy yet healthy dish. Normally the bamboo shoots sliced and boiled then cooked in a blend of soy sauce and vinegar, season with sugar, salt and pepper.

Estimated time of preparation: 20-30 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 15-20 minutes

Good for 5 persons

Ingredients:
250 grams bamboo shoots(labong),sliced
200 grams pork, cut into small pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced thinly
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
10 pieces peppercorns
2 pieces bay leaves
1 tablespoon cornstarch(dissolved in 1/2 cup water)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sugar
salt to taste
3 pieces red chili(labuyo), chopped(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pot, pour water and add bamboo shoots, uncover and bring to boil for 20 minutes or until soften. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a pan, heat oil and saute garlic, onion and ginger.
2. Add pork and stir-fry until brown.
3. Add cooked bamboo shoots, cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until tender.
4. Pour soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.
5. Add chopped chili then season with salt according to taste.
6. Pour dissolved mixture and simmer until thicken, turn off the heat. Serve hot.

Tips:
1. Cooked bamboo shoots can be purchase at some market or grocery, skip Part 1.

Ginataang Labong

Filipino Style Recipe: ginataang labong or bamboo shoots in coconut milk is another easy yet healthy food. Normally the bamboo shoots sliced and boiled. Then cooked with coconut milk together with shrimps and vegetable leaves.

Estimated time of preparation: 20-30 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 15-20 minutes

Good for 5 persons

Ingredients:
250 grams bamboo shoots(labong),sliced
2 cups coconut milk
250 grams medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced thinkly
salt and pepper to taste

1 bundle chili leaves or jute leaves(saluyot)(optional)
3 pieces green chili(siling haba), chopped(optional)
1 small can tomato sardines(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pot, pour water and add bamboo shoots, uncover and bring to boil for 20-30 minutes or until soften. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a pan, heat oil and saute garlic, onion and ginger.
2. Pour coconut milk and bring to boil over low heat. Stir constantly.
2. Add cooked bamboo shoots, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.
3. Add shrimp and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Add chopped chili and vegetables.
4. Simmer for another minute or until thicken, turn off the heat. Serve hot.

Tips:
1. Cooked bamboo shoots can be purchased at some market or grocery, skip Part 1.