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### **Filipino Vegetable Stew (Pinakbet): A Hearty and Healthy Dish**
**Pinakbet**, or “pakbet,” is a quintessential Filipino vegetable stew known for its vibrant mix of vegetables and bold flavors. Originating from the Ilocos region, this dish embodies the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage, emphasizing fresh ingredients and savory simplicity.
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### **What is Pinakbet?**
Pinakbet is a traditional dish made with an assortment of vegetables, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), and sometimes meat or seafood for added flavor. Its name comes from the Ilocano word “pinakebbet,” meaning “shriveled,” referring to the vegetables simmered to tenderness in a flavorful sauce.
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### **Ingredients**
#### Essential Vegetables:
– 1 cup eggplant, sliced into chunks
– 1 cup bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced into thin pieces
– 1 cup squash (kalabasa), cubed
– 1 cup okra, trimmed
– 1 cup long beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
#### Flavor Base:
– 2 tablespoons shrimp paste (bagoong alamang)
– 1 cup water or broth
– 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Optional Additions:
– 1/2 pound pork belly or shrimp (optional for non-vegetarian versions)
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