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Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Filipino cuisine with a recipe that’s sure to make your taste buds dance: Bisaya Humba. Picture this: tender pork simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, with hints of pineapple and aromatic spices. Are you ready to join me on this culinary journey? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs of pork (go for pork chock or your favorite cut)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of Filipino soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups of pineapple juice
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups of water
- 3 star anise
- 1/2 cup of banana blossom (dried lily flower, soak it for about 10 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of black beans
- 3 cardava bananas (also known as saba bananas)
Let’s Get Cooking:
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- First things first, gather up all your ingredients. Give your pork a good rinse and pat it dry. Chop up that onion, mince the garlic, and don’t forget to soak the banana blossom.
2. Brown the Pork:
- Heat up your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in your pork and let it sizzle until it’s beautifully browned on all sides. This step is key for building up those delicious flavors. When it’s done, set it aside for now.
3. Let’s Add Some Aromatics:
- In the same pot, throw in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them work their magic until they’re soft and fragrant. Ah, can you smell that? It’s the start of something amazing!
4. Bring It All Together:
- Time to reunite the pork with its flavorful friends. Add in the Filipino soy sauce, vinegar, and pineapple juice. Sprinkle in that black pepper for an extra kick. Give it all a good stir so the pork gets coated in that heavenly sauce.
5. Simmer Away:
- Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes. Then, toss in the star anise and water. Cover it up and let it do its thing over low heat until the pork is nearly tender. Don’t forget to give it a stir every now and then.
6. Add Some Texture:
- Once the pork is almost there, it’s time to add in the soaked banana blossom and those yummy black beans. They’ll give your Humba a nice texture and a burst of flavor. Stir them gently into the sauce.
7. Bring in the Bananas:
- Peel and slice up those cardava bananas (or saba bananas) and toss them into the pot. They’ll add a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory goodness of the dish.
8. Taste Test Time:
- Now comes the fun part – taste testing! Give your Bisaya Humba a try and see if it needs any extra seasoning. Add more soy sauce, vinegar, or pepper if you like. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes or so to let all those flavors mingle and dance together.
9. Time to Feast:
- Once your pork is tender, and the sauce has thickened up to your liking, it’s time to dig in! Serve up your Bisaya Humba hot, alongside some steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Garnish with some chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.
Cooking up a batch of Bisaya Humba in your own kitchen is not only delicious but also a whole lot of fun. So, grab those ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to treat yourself to a taste of Filipino culinary magic. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
