Entree: Philippines – Luzon – Sinigang (Tamarind-based sour Filipino soup or stew, typically made with pork and assorted vegetables)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr 10 min

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) pork spare ribs or pork shoulder, cut into 2–3 inch pieces
- 8 cups (1.9 L) water
- 1 medium (6 oz / 170 g) yellow onion, quartered
- 2 medium (10 oz / 280 g) ripe tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup (85 g) daikon or red radish, sliced about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick
- 2 small (8 oz / 225 g) eggplants, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
- 6 oz (170 g) sitaw (yardlong/green beans) or regular green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths
- 2 cups (60 g) kangkong (water spinach) or 1 bunch spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fish sauce (patis), plus additional to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) tamarind paste OR 1 packet (28 g) commercial sinigang mix (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tsp (5–10 g) granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pork pieces and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming and discarding any scum that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
2. Add the quartered onion and tomatoes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook until the pork is tender, 45–60 minutes depending on cut and size. Check occasionally and add a little water if level drops too much.
3. Once the pork is tender, add the radish and eggplant. Simmer for 6–8 minutes until the radish has softened.
4. Stir in the tamarind paste or sinigang mix, fish sauce, and ground black pepper. Taste and adjust sourness and saltiness—add more tamarind paste or a pinch of sugar if desired, and more fish sauce to deepen savory flavor.
5. Add the green beans and simmer 3–4 minutes until just tender. Add the kangkong or spinach in the final 1–2 minutes and wilt.
6. Serve hot in deep bowls with steamed rice alongside, offering extra fish sauce or calamansi/lime wedges for individual adjustment.