Sinigang

Sinigang 

Bright. Sour. Grounding comfort.

Sinigang is a cleansing soup — meant to awaken the appetite and soothe the body. Its signature sourness comes from tamarind, a flavor that cuts through heaviness and brings balance.

This dish is often cooked during rainy days or when someone in the home feels unwell. The steam, the broth, and the gentle acidity work together like medicine — warming, restoring, and familiar.


Ingredients
 1 kg pork belly or ribs
1 onion, quartered
2 tomatoes, quartered
8 cups water
1 packet tamarind soup base (or fresh sampalok)
1 radish, sliced
1 cup long beans
1 cup kangkong or spinach
2 pieces gabi (taro), optional
Fish sauce to taste

Directions

  1. In a large pot, boil pork with water until tender (45–60 minutes). Skim impurities.

  2. Add onions and tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes until softened.

  3. Add gabi and radish. Cook until tender and slightly thickened.

  4. Stir in tamarind base and gently mix.

  5. Add long beans and cook for 3–5 minutes.

  6. Add leafy greens last, then turn off the heat.

  7. Season with fish sauce to taste.

Flavor tip: The sourness should wake you up — not overwhelm.

Filipino's Favorite FoodsKristeva Dowling