Simple Recipe On How To Cook A Healthy Sinigang Dish

Sinigang is a household dish for all Filipinos. It is embedded in the culture and traditions of the Philippines. For centuries, the traditional recipe has evolved with some Twix and tricks here and there to make the taste more palatable and reach a healthier menu. There are tons of different versions of recipes that have been created over the years, and we also have our own version to share.

First, What is Sinigang?

Sinigang is a sour soup made with tamarind and various vegetables. It is a classic Filipino dish known for its tangy and savory broth infused with a variety of vegetables and meat. It is a comforting and nutritious soup that is perfect for any mealtime. In this recipe, we will explore how to cook a healthy version of Sinigang Soup packed with wholesome ingredients and flavors.

Related Topics:

• What Is Sinigang And Its History?
• What Makes Your Favorite Sinigang Healthy?

Here are two (2) sets of simple recipes for cooking Healthy Sinigang, a popular Filipino sour soup dish.

Recipe #1

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of meat (pork ribs, beef, or shrimp)
• 1 medium-sized onion, quartered
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups of water
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of fish sauce (patis)
• 1 medium-sized radish, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium-sized eggplant, sliced
• 1 cup of string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 to 3 pieces of green chili peppers (siling pansigang)
• 2 to 3 cups of fresh spinach or kangkong leaves (optional)
• Tamarind mix or sinigang mix (available in Filipino grocery stores) to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the onions and tomatoes and let them simmer for a few minutes until they soften.
3. If using pork or beef, add the meat to the pot and let it cook until it becomes tender. If using shrimp, skip this step for now.
4. Add the fish sauce (patis) and tamarind mix or Sinigang mix to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference for sourness.
5. Add the radish and eggplant to the pot and let them cook for about 5 minutes or until they become tender.
6. If using shrimp, add them to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
7. Add the string beans and green chili peppers. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the string beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
8. If using spinach or Kangkong leaves, add them to the pot and let them wilt for about a minute.
9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more fish sauce or tamarind mix.
10. Remove the pot from heat and serve the Sinigang hot with steamed rice.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities according to your preference. You can also add other vegetables like okra or bok choy to customize your Sinigang. Enjoy your homemade Sinigang!

Recipe #2

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of lean protein (pork, beef, chicken, or shrimp)
• 8 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, quartered
• 1 medium-sized onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (such as olive oil)
• 1 bunch of kangkong (water spinach), stems trimmed
• 1 bunch of sitaw (long beans), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 medium-sized radishes, sliced
• 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced
• 2 medium-sized taro (gabi), peeled and cubed
• 2-3 pieces of green chili peppers (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of tamarind soup base or 1-2 pieces of fresh tamarind
• Fish sauce or salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the protein of your choice. If using pork or beef, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken, you can use bone-in pieces for added flavor. If using shrimp, leave them whole or devein and peel if desired.
2. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the onions and tomatoes. Sauté until the tomatoes are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the protein to the pot and cook until it is lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
5. If using tamarind soup base, dissolve it in a cup of hot water and add it to the pot. Alternatively, if using fresh tamarind, remove the seeds and pulp from the tamarind pods and strain the juice into the pot. Adjust the amount of tamarind according to your preferred level of sourness.
6. Add the taro (gabi) to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. Be careful not to overcook them as they may become mushy.
7. Add the radishes, long beans, and eggplants to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are cooked but still slightly crisp.
8. Season the soup with fish sauce or salt, to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If desired, add ground black pepper for an extra kick.
9. Lastly, add the kangkong (water spinach) and green chili peppers (optional) to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the kangkong wilts.
10. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a more sour taste, you can add more tamarind juice. If you want it saltier, add more fish sauce or salt.
11. Once the soup is done, remove it from the heat and serve hot. It pairs well with steamed rice.

This healthy Sinigang Soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that combines the flavors of various vegetables with a tangy broth and tender protein. It provides a wholesome balance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Enjoy the comforting goodness of this Filipino favorite while knowing that you are fueling your body with nutritious ingredients.

Please note that cooking times may vary depending on the type and size of the protein and vegetables used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that all the ingredients are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.