Recently, I came home from work to find an adorable older Filipino couple seated at my kitchen table. My roommate Christian's parents had come over to cook us a delicious traditional Filipino feast! I was greeted both by their welcoming smiles, the enticing aromas of their labors in the kitchen. I felt like a guest in my own home-in a good way!
On the menu was sinigang, a tangy and flavorful tamarind based soup full of pork, spinach, green beans, and onion.
Next was adobo served over rice. ("Rice, always the rice. Cause that's what we do!," instructs our roommate as we dish up.) I had heard of adobo before, but had yet to try it. Tender pork meat in an addictive, flavorful, salty sauce that makes you want more and more.
(Copyright Christian's Mom)
In her version of this dish the one ingredient I was unfamiliar with was the coconut vinegar! Now we have a jar of it in on our pantry for future use.
Accoutrements served along side the two main dishes were coconut and mango slices.
What did I know about Filipino cuisine before this meal? Not much outside of the well known potluck staples pancit and lumpia. I gained just slightly more insight, making me realize just how little I know and at the same time piquing my interest and curiosity. I think it's a sign of a good meal experience if it leaves you wanting to learn more about the food and ingredients you just ate, and the culture it comes from.
