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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Humba (Braised Pork Belly)

IMG_9517 by cherylyw
IMG_9517, a photo by cherylyw on Flickr.

Humba Recipe (Braised Pork Belly) is one of the traditional Filipino dishes in the Philippines, it is otherwise known as adobo for some part the country. This term "humba" is popular filipino food especially among cebuanos. Most of its own fat is cooked in the meat and its essence is what makes the whole dish delectable. That is the good thing about "humba" there has to be some fat and even skin in order to enjoy your meal. Very distinctive in its own style and taste. People cook it differently, depending on the spices they wanna put in and for how long they want it simmered until the sauce thickens. I prefer to simmer it longer since the longer it goes, the thicker the sauce gets and the better the sauce taste!
I have been trying the humba few times until i finally made it perfect for everyone including my hubby!
Ingredients :
* 1 lb. pork (pork belly/pork hocks/pork stew), cut into serving pieces
* 1 cup water
* 3 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1/3 cup vinegar
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 tsp. pepper or 1 tsp. peppercorns
* 1 tsp. oil
* salt to taste
* hard-boiled eggs (optional)
Cooking Procedures :
1. Combine all ingredients in a big pot and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for about one a half hour to two hours or until you noticed the fat separates from its sauce or suspends .

fat suspension

IMG_9518

You can adjust taste by simply adding salt if you want. And of course occasionally stir to blend the sauce with the meat.
3. You may prepare the boiled egg in a separate pan, set aside. You wanna put the peeled boiled egg in 15 minutes before the "humba" is done and mix eggs with the dish in order for the sauce to seep into it.
3. Remove bay leaf and peppercorns (if used) just before serving. Serve hot with a rice! Enjoy your meal!


Tip: You can add some options like the banana blossoms (50 g), 1 can tausi.
But be very careful in adding additional vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. Some people tend to adjust by adding the above ingredients and end up frustrated with the outcome. The only thing that you need to actually add is the salt to taste --that's the secret since that's only according to your taste! Enjoy!!!