Filipino – SInigang Na Baka

by Hina Alam

ABOUT THE DISH

SInigang Na Baka is a classic Philippines stew/ soup dish. It is a dish famous for its sour and savory flavors. It has many different variations which include different proteins. This variation consists of beef and many vegetables which are boiled within water and some fish sauce and then served. It is a dish which is loved by every single one of local people there and they eat it as their main course. Soups are often eaten as appetizers in many countries but this stew is eaten as a main course which proves its worth. It is a simple dish to make and it is very healthy for everyone. The families love to eat this together and in a cold and chilly night if this soup is served then it makes the whole night feel cozy. There are many stalls in the street of Philippines which sell this soup and people tend to sit outside and enjoy it and its flavors happily. It is one of the most popular dishes in the Filipino cuisine and undoubtedly every one claims it to be the best as well.

HISTORY/ORIGIN

SInigang is made in many different cities in Philippines but it is said it is a cultural phenomena of the Tagalog people. These people have the most population in all of the Philippines. This dish goes way back and it is considered authentic as its flavor throughout all these years have not been changed. This stew was well famous before the Spaniards took over the Philippines and it was served as a comfort dish to all the people. Regardless to its origin nowadays it is a very common soup which is eaten at an daily basis and its simple flavors are a thing of beauty to enjoy.

MEANING OF NAME

SInigang if translated into English means “stew” which is exactly what the dish itself is. It is truly famous for its authenticity and savory flavors,

NATIONAL DISH

SInigang is considered to be the national dish of Philippines because of its fresh flavors and also because it is served both in the day and in the chilly nights. It is ranked in the top 10 dishes of the Filipino cuisine. It is like an celebratory dish and can be cooked on many other special occasions. It is often cooked as a welcome meal for all the guests and they enjoy it very much. It is mentioned in many Filipino cookbooks and being given high ratings. It is one of those dishes which cannot be hated in any way.

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS

Other different versions of this stew is as follows.

• SINIGANG NA BABOY : In this stew pork is used as its main protein
• SINIGANG NA GULAY : It is a stew for vegetarians and consists of no protein
• SINIGANG NA BAGNET: In this stew pork belly is used along with the traditional tamarind flavors.
• SINIGANG NA BANGUS: It is fish stew along with vegetables.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED TO MAKE IT

• Beef 5 lbs.

• Water 1 gal

• Onion 1

• Tomatoes 2

• Fish sauce 5 Tbsp

• Lemon juice

• Okra

• Spinach

• White radish

• Mustard greens

• Salt

• Black pepper

STEPS TO MAKE THIS STEW

• Take a pan and add the given amount of water in it and let it boil for some time.
• Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the beef.

• After this add the beef into the boiling water and let it simmer for some time.
• Chop the onions and the tomatoes meanwhile and add it into the pan.

• There will some impurities surfing on top of the pan take it out.
• While the beef is cooking take a separate small bowl and add lemon juice and the fish sauce in it and mix it well.

• Add this mixture into the pan with beef and let it cook for 1 hour to soften the beef.
• Take the above mentioned vegetables and slice them until the soup is being cooked.

• Once the beef softens add the veggies in the pan and once again let it cook for some time.

• Once cooked take out the veggies put it on a plate with beef and pour soup over them and serve.

• Your dish is ready
• Enjoy

TIME REQUIRED TO PREPARE IT

• PREPERATION TIME : 10 minutes
• COOKING TIME : 1 hour
• TOTAL TIME : 1 hour 10 minutes
• YIELDS : 5-6 servings

NUTRITION INFO

• Calories 350
• Total Fat 14g
• Cholesterol 82mg
• Sodium 1742mg
• Potassium 840mg
• Total Carbohydrate 24g
• Protein 6g
• Vitamin A 52%
• Vitamin C 140%