Sinigang: A Sour Symphony of Flavors

8 Servings

Sinigang is more than just a soup; it’s a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of Filipino cuisine. With its signature sourness, hearty ingredients, and comforting warmth, Sinigang is a beloved dish enjoyed across the Philippines, and Bohol is no exception.

15min Prep

40min Cook

A steaming pot of Sinigang, a traditional Filipino sour soup with pork, vegetables, and tamarind broth.

INGREDIENTS

 

    • 1 kg pork ribs (or your choice of meat or seafood)

    • 8 cups water

    • 1 large onion, quartered

    • 2 large tomatoes, quartered

    • 1-inch piece ginger, sliced

    • 3-5 pieces green chili peppers (siling pangsigang)

    • 1/2 cup tamarind pulp (or sinigang mix)

    • 1 radish (labanos), peeled and sliced

    • 2-3 string beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch pieces

    • 1 eggplant, sliced

    • 6-8 pieces okra

    • 1 bunch spinach or kangkong leaves

    • Fish sauce (patis) to taste

  • Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the pork ribs, onions, tomatoes, and ginger. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pork is tender.
  2. Add the souring agent: Add the tamarind pulp or sinigang mix. If using tamarind pulp, simmer for 5 minutes, then strain the broth to remove the pulp.
  3. Add the vegetables: Add the radish, string beans, and eggplant. Simmer until tender.
  4. Add the remaining vegetables: Add the okra, green chili peppers, and spinach or kangkong leaves. Simmer for a few more minutes until the vegetables are just cooked.
  5. Season: Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

The Story of Sinigang

Sinigang is deeply rooted in Filipino culinary tradition, with its origins dating back centuries. The sourness of the broth, achieved through the use of tamarind, kamias, or other souring agents, is a defining characteristic of Filipino cuisine.

This sourness is not just about flavor, it also has cultural significance. In Filipino culture, sourness is associated with balance and harmony, and it’s believed to have cooling properties in the body. Sinigang is more than just a soup; it’s a reflection of the Filipino way of life, a balance of flavors and a connection to nature’s bounty.

A steaming pot of Sinigang, a traditional Filipino sour soup with pork, vegetables, and tamarind broth.

If you have some stories to tell let us know.

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