Ginataang Pusit (Squid in Coconut Milk)

It's Holy Week so it's time to cut down on the meat! :) Let me then share with you another simple squid dish that will surely be enjoyed by everyone who wants to do some sacrifices by refraining from meat dishes this season of fasting and penitence. The main ingredient is pusit (squid) and this dish is easily cooked in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 kg squid (it's better to get the young ones)
1 medium-sized grated coconut meat for gata
1 small-sized ginger cut into thin strips
2 cloves of garlic, pounded
3 pcs green chili pepper
A pinch of salt

Procedures:
1. Clean the squids and remove the plastic-like cartilage from the body. Open the tentacles to expose the beak and throw it away.
2. Put the thin coconut milk in a casserole. Add the squid, ginger, green chili pepper, garlic, and salt.
3. Boil until the squids are tender or the milk is almost dry.
4. Add the thick coconut milk and let the dish boil for 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Note: The thick coconut is what we often call as "kakang gata" in Filipino or the first pressing/extraction of the coconut milk/creme.

I hope you and your loved ones will enjoy this dish! Have a blessed and prayerful Holy Week!

Humba (Braised Pork)

This recipe, humba, is one of my favorite dishes that originate from Cebu. I grew up knowing Humba as a favorite family dish, particularly for special occasions. I remember how my Mom lovingly prepares the dish especially when one of us is celebrating a birthday. I like this dish because of the mixture of the salty and sweet tastes, and the tenderness of the pork meat. This Cebuano dish has even become among the favorite dishes of my wife even if she doesn't eat pork that much. :)

So, here goes! Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 kilo pork with a little fat(cut into bite size)
500 ml - 1 liter of Sprite (enough to cover the ingredients)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (peeled and chopped)
20-30 pieces of banana blossoms
3-4 Tbsp soy sauce
1-2 Tbsp vinegar
3 Tbsp fermented black beans
1 bunch of spring onions(chopped)
Sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedures:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the pork until golden brown. Season with salt. Set aside.
2. In a casserole, mix pork with soy sauce and vinegar. Add garlic and onions.
3. Pour Sprite in the casserole, enough to cover the pork and the ingredients.
4. Let it boil. Adjust setting to low fire. After 10 minutes, add fermented black beans.
5. Add banana blossoms after 10 minutes. Simmer until the meat becomes tender.
6. When the meat is done, add spring onions. Add sugar if you want it sweeter. Adjust seasoning.

Serve with love! Happy eating! :)