Papaitan: A Bold and Bitter Filipino Delicacy
4-6 Servings
Papaitan, also known as Pinapaitan, is a traditional Filipino soup that hails from the Ilocos region. It’s known for its bold and bitter flavor, primarily derived from bile, a digestive juice from the animal’s liver. This hearty soup is made with goat or beef innards, seasoned with spices, and often soured with ingredients like tamarind or kamias. It’s a dish that’s sure to awaken your taste buds and challenge your culinary boundaries.
30min Prep
1h Cook
INGREDIENTS
- 500g (1.1 lbs) goat or beef innards (tripe, liver, heart, kidney), cleaned and sliced
- 1/4 cup cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped (approx. 150g or 5.3 oz)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 10g or 0.35 oz)
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced (approx. 15g or 0.5 oz)
- 1-2 green chili peppers (siling pangsigang), sliced
- 1/2 cup beef or goat bile (or 2 tbsp bile powder)
- 4 cups beef or goat broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis)
- 1 tbsp tamarind concentrate (or 2-3 pieces of kamias)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers until softened.
2. Add Innards and Broth: Add the cleaned and sliced innards and beef or goat broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the innards are tender.
3. Add Bile and Souring Agent: Carefully add the bile (or bile powder) and tamarind concentrate (or kamias) to the pot. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
4. Season and Serve: Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
The Story of Papaitan:
Papaitan is a dish that reflects the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of the Ilocos region. It’s a dish that utilizes all parts of the animal, including the innards, which are considered a delicacy in many parts of the Philippines.
The bitter flavor of Papaitan may be an acquired taste, but it’s a flavor that’s deeply rooted in Ilocano cuisine. It’s believed to have cleansing properties and is often consumed as a hangover cure. Papaitan is a dish that’s not only flavorful but also holds cultural significance, representing the ingenuity and unique taste preferences of the Ilocano people.
