She Strengthens

Discover the Flavors of the Philippines

When it comes to culinary delights, the Philippines is a hidden gem. This Southeast Asian country has mastered the art of fusion, blending flavors and ingredients from neighboring countries, Mexico, and Spain to create a unique and mouthwatering cuisine. You don’t need to book a flight to Manila to experience the magic; here are some mouthwatering recipes to bring the flavors of the Philippines into your home.

Appetizers and Sides

• Gluten-Free Lumpia: A lighter take on the traditional spring roll, using fresh rice paper rolls and a savory pork-and-veggie filling.
• Filipino Beef Empanadas: Flaky pastry dough wraps around a juicy potato-and-beef mixture, perfect for a satisfying snack.
• Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag): A flavorful twist on a breakfast classic, with garlic and soy sauce adding a savory kick.

Soups and Salads

• Arroz Caldo: A comforting soup infused with fish sauce, jasmine rice, and fragrant ginger, offering a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
• Green Mango Salad: Sweet-and-sour green mango pairs with juicy cherry tomatoes and savory shrimp paste for a refreshing and unusual salad.
• Pako Salad: Fiddlehead ferns, salted egg slices, and a light dressing come together in this easy and nutritious salad.
• Daikon and Tomato Salad: Thinly shaved raw Japanese radish is lightly dressed in a vinegar-based dressing, making for a super-refreshing accompaniment to heavier dishes.

Main Course

• Filipino Coconut Chicken Curry: Aromatic and flavorful, this 30-minute curry is a one-pot wonder, with sweet potatoes adding carbs for a filling meal.
• Mechadong Baka (Filipino Beef Mechado): Calamansi juice adds a secret ingredient to this beef stew, making it a standout dish that tastes even better the next day.
• Chicken Afritada with Pineapple: Spanish flavors shine in this recipe, with chicken and veggies simmered in a unique combo of tomato sauce, garlic, and canned pineapple chunks.
• Pancit Palabok (Philippine-Style Noodles in a Prawn Gravy): A rich gravy ladled over chewy rice noodles, topped with a variety of ingredients, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
• Filipino Chicken Adobo: A classic recipe featuring chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, with carrots and potatoes added for a nutritious twist.
• Filipino Spaghetti: Ground pork, sliced hot dogs, and evaporated milk make this spaghetti distinctly Filipino, a crowd-pleasing favorite at birthday parties.

Desserts

• Champorado: A vegan take on the traditional hot chocolate, made with sticky rice and nondairy milk, perfect for a sweet treat.
• Corn with Coconut Milk (Ginataang Mais): A creamy and chewy dessert that combines corn and rice pudding, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Palitaw: Naturally gluten-free dumplings made with rice flour, coconut, and sugar, boiled and dredged in coconut for a sweet snowball effect.
• Baked Banana Lumpia: A sweet take on the traditional lumpia, baked to perfection with a banana-and-brown-sugar filling, perfect for snacking.

The Verdict

Filipino cuisine may have a reputation for being heavy, but we’ve curated a list of recipes that showcase the best of this delicious culinary tradition without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. From traditional dishes to adaptations, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.