Boholano Humba: A Taste of Home
4 Servings
Lumpia, a beloved Filipino snack or appetizer, is a culinary masterpiece wrapped in a thin, delicate wrapper. Whether filled with a savory mix of ground meat and vegetables or a sweet combination of fruits and cheese, lumpia is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed fresh or deep-fried to crispy perfection.
20min Prep
40min Cook
INGREDIENTS
- 1 kg (2 lbs) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup vinegar1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup dried banana blossoms (optional)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine pork, vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Sauté: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until softened.
3. Brown the Pork: Add the marinated pork to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
4. Simmer: Pour in the remaining marinade and bring to a boil. Add peppercorns, bay leaves, black beans, and banana blossoms (if using). Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Sweeten and Season: Stir in the brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy!
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use pork shoulder or pork hocks instead of belly.
- If you prefer a sweeter Humba, add more brown sugar or pineapple chunks.
- If you don’t have banana blossoms, you can omit them or substitute with dried mushrooms.
Humba: A Legacy of Love and Comfort
Growing up in Bohol, the aroma of Humba simmering in our kitchen always meant one thing: family was gathering. My lola (grandmother) would spend hours preparing this hearty dish, carefully braising the pork belly until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The sweet and savory aroma would fill the house, drawing everyone together around the table.
For us, Humba was more than just a meal – it was a way to express love, connection, and warmth. Sharing a plate of Humba with loved ones felt like being wrapped in a warm embrace, a culinary hug that brought comfort and joy. Today, whenever I make Humba, it not only satisfies my taste buds but also fills my heart with cherished memories of family and tradition.