Piniritong Dinuguan (FRIED PORK MASK STEWED IN HOG’S BLOOD)

Filipino Style Recipe: “Dinuguan” has been a signature Filipino dish since time immemorial. Different regions and localities vaunt their own version of this recipe which foreigners term as “chocolated pork”. In view, no matter what variation nor modification is applied in terms of ingredients or part of meat utilized, they all boil down to: stewed pork with hog blood. Making waves currently is the presentation that contains “chicharon” (pork crackling) on top…aptly calling it “Crispy Dinuguan”.

Veering away, this recipe’s technological cooking procedure will NOT make use of “chicharon” but desired crunchiness is attained.

INGREDIENTS:
MEAT:
1 kilo pork mask, eardrums included, fully cleaned, sliced into 4 pieces

BOILING BROTH MIX:
1 liter tap water
10 grams salt
3 grams cracked black pepper
10 ml. ginger juice
(This blend removes “lansa” (fishy-ness) of meat
and letting it absorb little flavor
otherwise not attained by boiling in just plain water)

FRYING & SAUTEING MIX:
30 ml. EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
6 cloves crushed fresh garlic
3 small “siling pansigang” (banana peppers or chili fingers),
de-seeded and sliced into smaller pieces.

HOG’S BLOOD MIX:
1 kilo hog’s blood. Strain to get away from further coagulation
or lumping. Set aside.
100 ml. of leftover boiling broth mix
25 ml. cane vinegar
15 ml. soy sauce

FLAVOR ENHANCERS:
80 ml. fresh milk or evaporated milk
10 ml. “patis” (fish sauce)
10 ml. ginger juice
4 pieces dried bay leaves
2 grams ground black pepper
3 grams MSG(optional)

PROCEDURES:
Part 1
1. In a suitable casserole, blend all ingredients of boiling broth mix.
2. Add pork mask slices and boil to desired tenderness.
3. Remove boiled mask, cut into smaller pieces.
4. Set aside both pork mask pieces and the leftover boiling broth mix which will be utilized later.

Part 2
1. In frying pan, under medium setting, heat EVOO, fry garlic and sliced banana peppers for 1 minute.
2. Add pork mask pieces, tossing constantly and continue frying until they turn crispy (approx. 5-8 minutes)
3. Using slotted ladle retrieve fried mask and set aside. This meat is done.
4. In the same leftover frying/sautéing mix (oil), add in all ingredients of hog’s blood mix. Transfer to another casserole if need be.
5. CONSTANTLY STIRRING, (to avoid further blood coagulation) bring to a boil.
6. When boiling starts, add in ALL ingredients of the flavor enhancers. Continue boiling for 1 minute adding extra “patis” or black pepper or milk if so desired. DONE. This is now your “DINUGUAN” without the meat.
7. When serving, pour unto bowl, add in desired quantity of fried pork mask, mix a bit, garnish with “sili pansigang” then serve with a smile and be PROUD of your creation.

Pata Tim: The Western Way

Filipino Style Recipe: PATA TIM (CHINESE-FLAVORED STEWED PIG’S FRONT HOCK PROCESSED THE WESTERN WAY) Of Chinese origin, PATA TIM has been modified into various presentation, ingredients’ mix and cooking style.

I grew up in a family where one of its variations “Paksiw Na Pata”(Filipinos’ vinegar based stewed hock) was served once a month. Succeeding recipe will NOT make use of “bulaklak ng saging” (banana blossom) but just carrots & shiitake mushroom that Westerners love. This recipe has been adopted by many friends-cooks, adding little tweaks, for their signature secrets.

Pangs (my spouse) and I labored on these 2 dishes: a different “PATA TIM’ & the technologically innovated U.S. BEEF MECHADO, (for next posting) nights before, to serve to our kids and grandkids out on weekend of June 28 & 29 to Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Phils. for their 5i50 triathlon. In mind, well prepared offerings over steamed rice will surely perk their stamina up in time for next day’s arduous match. Try. Your family will love this “DIFFERENT PATA TIM”.

INGREDIENTS:
1 piece fully cleaned pig’s front hock – with still a little of trotters attached but hooves cut off (USA and Canadian front hocks command higher prices than back for they are meatier)

ANTI-FOUL SMELL BOILING SOLUTION:
Enough tap water to cover entire hock in a casserole.
20 ml. any red wine
3 grams salt dissolved well

PRESSURE COOKER SOLUTION:
Enough tap water to cover pre-boiled hock.
40 ml. soy sauce
3 grams salt
20 grams brown sugar
3 grams crushed black pepper
6 cloves crushed garlic
5 pieces star anise
2 pieces sliced “labuyo” (bird’s eye chilies)

OVEN TOASTER’S SEARING MIX:
15 ml. palm oil (or palm olein)
6 cloves crushed garlic, finely chopped

FINAL SAUCE MIX:
200 ml. of left over Pressure Cooker Solution
1 medium carrot sliced
5 pieces sliced shiitake mushrooms soaked in water for 30 minutes
10 grams corn starch dissolved in 30 ml. water (slurry-thickener)
3 grams chili powder (NOT chili pepper powder. Chili powder contains 5 or more spice-herb combination plus salt while Chili Pepper Powder is just the powder presentation of that particular chili pepper).
20 ml. soy sauce
15 grams brown sugar

PROCEDURES:
Part 1
1. Bring to boil your well blended anti-foul smell boiling solution.
2. Once boiling starts, set timer and boil for 20 minutes. Discard water. Set aside hock.

Part 2
1. In pressure cooker, add in ALL ingredients tumble thoroughly until no lumps are evident.
2. Lay pre-boiled hock, cover, attach nozzle and start under medium heat. When whistling starts, pressure cook for 30 minutes.
3. Done…subject pressure cooker to running tap water, when whistling stops slowly remove nozzle-open cooker.
4. Remove hock set aside including pressure cooker solution.

Part 3
1. Rub palm oil of the oven toaster’s searing mix unto all sides of hock. Rub crushed garlic as well. Lay unto toaster pan.
2. Set toaster to high temp, ensuring top heating rod is in fiery-red state, wedge toaster pan in topmost slot for quick searing. Toast for 10 minutes each side.
3. While you are on this searing stage, in a pan, heat the 200 ml. leftover pressure cooker solution.
4. Add in sliced carrots, drained shiitake mushrooms, chili powder, soy sauce and brown sugar. Boil for 2 minutes.
5. While boiling pour in slurry and stirring constantly, continue for few seconds until sauce thickens. Make your desired adjustments on saltiness & sweetness level, should you wish.
6. Lay seared hock unto plate and pour in your sauce. Garnish. Serve. Watch your family’s happy smiles.

Cream Dory in Sweet Soy Sauce

Filipino Style Recipe: Cream dory in sweet soy sauce is another simple and quick fish dish that consists of cream dory cooked in sweet soy sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch and sugar. This can be serve together with steamed rice.

Estimated time of preparation: 10 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 10 minutes
Good for 2-3 persons

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo cream dory, cut into cubes
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch(dissolved in 1/4 cup water)
1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
salt and pepper to taste
chopped spring onions for garnishing

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pan, arrange fish and ginger then pour enough water. Bring to boil for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a sauce pan, heat oil then saute garlic and onion.
2. Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, water and sugar then bring to boil.
3. Add fish then simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add dissolved cornstarch then bring to boil while keep stirring.
5. Add ginger powder, chili flakes then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Transfer to serving plate then sprinkle with spring onions. Serve hot!

No Bake Egg Pie

Filipino Style Recipe: No bake egg pie is another delicious pastry similar to Filipino custard pie. This dish has a simple procedure and doesn’t required to use oven. The pie crust was made of crushed graham and butter while the filling was mixed with gelatin to firm. The top layer was made of caramelize sugar then spread evenly to the top of our custard pie.

Estimated time of preparation: 10-15 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:
Crust:
1 pack crushed graham
a block of butter, cut into small pieces

Filling:
1 big can condensed milk
1 cup fresh cream milk or evaporated milk
4 raw eggs, beaten
1 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla essence(optional)
1 teaspoon jelly powder

Sugar Glaze:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup water

Procedures:
Part 1(Crust)
1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham and butter then mix well until moist and clay-like consistency. Add more butter necessary.
2. In a molding plate, spread and press down the crust mixture up to 1/2 inch thick then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Part 2(Filling)
1. In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients except gelatin powder then mix until well blended.
2. In a pan, pour filling mixture then add gelatin powder.
3. Simmer in a low heat while keep stirring until becomes really thick.
4. Pour and spread evenly the filling into the crust.

Part 3(Topping)
1. In a pan, dissolved sugar in water then simmer in a low heat until caramelize.
2. Pour and spread evenly the sugar mixture on top of filling. Refrigerate before serving.

Notes:
1. You may also add toppings to our egg pie like crushed graham or crushed Oreo cookies.

Seafood Fusilli in Creamy White Sauce

Filipino Style Recipe: Seafood Fusilli in Creamy White Sauce is another creamy and mouth-watering seafood-pasta dish. It is consists of clams cooked in creamy white sauce then tossed together with fusilli. This can be served as meryenda(mid-afternoon snack) or in any special occasion.

Estimated time of preparation: 15 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 20-30 minutes
Good for 4-6 persons

Ingredients:
400 grams fusilli or spiral pasta
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 head garlic, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes(optional)
1/4 cup sliced mushroom
2 tablespoons sliced black olives
750 grams clams
1 big can evaporated milk
2 x 250 ml all purpose cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste
chopped basil for garnishing

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a large pot, prepare pasta based on cooking instructions. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a pan, heat oil then saute garlic, onion and chili flakes until light brown.
2. Add the mushroom and olives then saute for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add clams, cover and simmer until shells open.
4. Add the evaporated milk and all purpose cream then bring to boil while keep stirring.
5. Add the grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste then keep stirring for about 3-5 minutes or until beginning to thicken.
6. Turn off the heat, add pasta then toss well.
7. Transfer to serving plate, top with grated cheese and garnish with basil. Serve!

Spiral Aglio Olio

Filipino Style Recipe: Spiral aglio olio or fusilli pasta in garlic and oil is a traditional Italian dish and become popular to Filipino cuisine. This dish is consists of garlic sauteed in olive oil then toss in fusilli pasta. We add chili flakes, clams and basil to add more flavor to our dish. Aglio olio is usually serve as meryenda(mid-afternoon snack) or in any special occasion.

Estimated time of preparation: 10 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 10-12 minutes
Good for 3-4 persons

Ingredients:
400 grams fusilli or spiral pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
750 grams clams or shrimps(peeled and deveined)
1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes(optional)
1/4 cup white wine
10 leaves basil, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
grated Parmesan cheese

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a large pot, prepare pasta based on cooking instructions. Drain and set aside.

Part 2
1. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil then saute garlic, chili flakes until light brown.
2. Add clams and cover and cook until shells open then season with salt and pepper. Add water if necessary.
3. Add white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce reduce in half.
4. Add remaining olive oil, pasta and basil then toss until coat evenly.
5. Transfer to serving plate, top with grated cheese and garnish with basil leaves. Serve.

Meatballs Spaghetti

Filipino Style Recipe: Meatballs Spaghetti is another variety of spaghetti dish. Meatball is a combination of beef, breadcrumbs, eggs and other herbs then mold together into a balls. The sauce is a made of diced or crushed tomatoes simmered together with tomato sauce, cheese and other ingredients.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 40-50 minutes
Good for 6 servings

Ingredients:
500 grams spaghetti(any prefer pasta)
24 pieces premade meatballs

Sauce:
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can(28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste

1 cup carrots, finely chopped(optional)
1 cup brown button mushrooms, chopped(optional)
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped(optional)
1/4 cup basil, finely chopped(optional)
1/4 cup red wine(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a large pot, prepare the pasta based on cooking instructions. Set aside

Part 2
1. In a frying pan, heat cooking oil and fry meatballs for about 5-10 minutes depending on the size or until color turns to golden brown. Drain and set aside.

Part 3
1. In a sauce pan, heat olive oil on medium heat. Saute onions and garlic.
2. Add carrots and mushrooms and continue sauteing for 2 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil and parsley then stir to blend.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
5. Add red wine, Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and sugar according to taste.
6. Add meatballs and gently stir then simmer for another 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally.

Part 4
1. Prepare pasta on pasta tray, add sauce and meatballs, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with remaining parsley. Serve with garlic bread.

Tips:
For homemade meatballs, follow the instructions below:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, basil and parsley. Mixed well.
2. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll and compress to form 1-inch round meat balls. Continue this step until the mixture is consumed.

Baked Pesto Cream Dory

Filipino Style Recipe: baked pesto cream dory is another simple and easy dish. This dish is consists of dory fillets baked in a blend of pesto sauce, oyster sauce, and cayenne pepper.

Estimated time of preparation: 15 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 15 minutes
Good for 2-3 persons

Ingredients:
700 grams cream dory, cut into 4 pieces
1 pack pesto sauce mix(dissolved in 1/4 cup water)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary(optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Procedures:
1. In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, cayenne pepper, rosemary, pesto sauce, salt and pepper then mix until well blended.
2. In a baking pan, lined with aluminum foil then grease with olive oil.
3. Arrange fish fillet then spread pesto mixture until well coated.
4. Bake in a preheat oven over 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Transfer to serving plate then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Baked Kamote Fries

Filipino Style Recipe: Baked kamote fries is a popular snack that consists of slices of sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes coated in cornstarch then seasoned with olive oil, cayenne and salt. Baked in a preheat oven for 30 minutes or until browned and crisp then serve as snack, appetizer or side dish.

Estimated time of preparation: 15 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 30 minutes(plus cooling time)
Good for 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
3 large-sized sweet potatoes(kamote), peeled and cut into slices
1/2 cup cornstarch
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cayenne powder

Procedures:
1. In a large bowl, combine potatoes and cornstarch then stir to coat evenly. Strain to remove excess cornstarch.
2. In a separate bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, cayenne and salt then toss to coat evenly.
3. Arrange in grease baking sheet then bake in a preheated oven over 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. (15 minutes each side or until browned).
4. Turn off the heat then let it cool inside the oven for another 15 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce.

Pininyahang Pork Giniling

Filipino Style Recipe: pininyahang pork giniling or ground pork with pineapple is simple yet delicious dish. Ground pork sauteed and simmered in pineapple syrup together with pineapple tidbits and other vegetables. This is almost similar to ground pork menudo and ground pork adobo.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 50 minutes.
Good for 3-5 persons

Ingredients:
450 grams ground pork(giniling)
1 can(227 grams) pineapple tidbits, reserve syrup
3 teaspoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1/4 cup water
sugar, salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoons raisins(optional)
2 bay leaves(optional)
1/4 cup sweet peas(optional)

Procedures:
1. In a pan, heat oil and saute garlic and onion.
2. Add ground pork and soy sauce then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add potatoes, carrots, raisins, sweet peas, bay leaves, water and pineapple syrup.
4. Season with sugar, salt and pepper then simmer for 8 minutes or until tender.
5. Add pineapple tidbits then cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot.

(Photo credit to Blogie Robillo)