A classic savory stew from the Philippines, dinuguan is cooked with pork and pig’s blood and spiced with vinegar, garlic, and other ingredients. This meal, which is rich and filling, is typically eaten with puto (Filipino steamed rice cakes) or steamed rice. This dish’s thick, rich sauce and dark color have earned it the nickname “chocolate meat” as well. ๐
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder or pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pig’s blood (available at Asian markets)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 pieces green chili peppers (siling haba), sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (patis)
- 1 cup pork liver, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
- Freshly chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: In a pot, boil the pork shoulder or belly in water until tender. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Once tender, remove from heat and set aside. Reserve the pork broth.
- Cook the Pork: In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sautรฉ until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the Pork: Add the boiled pork pieces to the pan and cook until lightly browned.
- Season: Add the fish sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Add Broth and Vinegar: Pour in the reserved pork broth and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Blood: In a bowl, strain the pig’s blood through a fine sieve to remove any lumps.
- Add the Blood: Slowly pour the strained pig’s blood into the pot while stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Chilies and Liver: If using, add the sliced green chili peppers and pork liver. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the liver is cooked through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or puto.
A traditional Filipino meal with deep cultural meaning and flavor is pork dinuguan. Although it might seem strange to some, many Filipinos adore this comfort dish. For a genuine taste, pair this hearty stew over puto or steaming rice. ๐ฒ