Discover the traditional flavors of the Philippines with our Pinakbet recipe! This hearty vegetable stew features a medley of squash, eggplant, okra, and bitter melon, simmered to perfection in savory shrimp paste.

Here's a simple recipe for Pinakbet, a flavorful Filipino vegetable stew:

Ingredients:

 - 1/2 cup shrimp paste (bagoong)

 - 2 tablespoons cooking oil

 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 onion, sliced

 - 2 tomatoes, chopped

 - 1/4 lb pork belly, sliced into small pieces (optional)

 - 2 cups water or broth

 - 1 small bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced

 - 1 small eggplant, sliced

 - 1 small squash, cubed

 - 6-8 pieces okra, halved

 - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, and sauté until fragrant.

2- Add tomatoes and cook until softened.

3- If using pork, add it to the pan and cook until lightly browned.

4- Stir in shrimp paste and cook for another minute.

5- Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.

6- Add bitter melon, eggplant, and squash. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

7- Add okra and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

8- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9- Serve hot with rice.

Enjoy your delicious Pinakbet!

Nutritional Values:

Here is the approximate nutritional information for the ingredients used in the Pinakbet recipe:

Shrimp paste (bagoong):

 - Serving size: 1 tablespoon (18g)

 - Calories: 80

 - Total Fat: 2g

 - Cholesterol: 45mg

 - Sodium: 880mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 10g

benefits:

 - Good source of protein.

 - Contains vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Cooking oil:

 - Serving size: 1 tablespoon (14g)

 - Calories: 120

 - Total Fat: 14g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats that are essential for energy and nutrient absorption.

Garlic:

 - Serving size: 1 clove (3g)

 - Calories: 4

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

benefits:

 - Contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

 - Has antioxidant properties that may boost the immune system.

Onion:

 - Serving size: 1 medium onion (110g)

 - Calories: 44

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 2mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 1g

benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

 - Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health.

Tomatoes:

 - Serving size: 1 medium tomato (123g)

 - Calories: 22

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 6mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

benefits:

 - High in vitamin C and other antioxidants that support immune health.

 - Contains lycopene, a compound linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Pork belly:

 - Serving size: 1 ounce (28g)

 - Calories: 160

 - Total Fat: 14g

 - Cholesterol: 30mg

 - Sodium: 10mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 8g

benefits:

 - Good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, and phosphorus.

 - Water or broth: Nutritional values can vary widely depending on the type and amount used. Generally, they contribute negligible calories and macronutrients.

Bitter melon (ampalaya):

 - Serving size: 1/2 cup (45g)

 - Calories: 20

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 1g

benefits:

 - Contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels.

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Eggplant:

 - Serving size: 1 cup, cubed (82g)

 - Calories: 20

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

benefits:

 - Rich in fiber and antioxidants that support digestion and heart health.

 - Contains nasunin, a potent antioxidant that may protect cells from damage.

Squash:

 - Serving size: 1 cup, cubed (116g)

 - Calories: 30

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 8g

 - Protein: 1g

benefits:

 - High in vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin health.

 - Contains fiber that aids in digestion and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Okra:

 - Serving size: 1/2 cup, sliced (80g)

 - Calories: 25

 - Total Fat: 0g

 - Cholesterol: 0mg

 - Sodium: 0mg

 - Total Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 2g

benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins C and K, folate, and antioxidants that support overall health.

 - Contains soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and aids in digestion.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.