Soup > Asian Soups > Filipino

Pinagong and Bitter Melon Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup of pinagong, diced
- 2 cups of bitter melon, diced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the pinagong and bitter melon and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 120
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 5 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the pinagong, you can substitute with diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- For the bitter melon, you can substitute with zucchini or squash.
- For the chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth.

Variations:
- You can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- You can add other proteins such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to dice the vegetables into small pieces so they cook faster.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Storage Instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until it is hot.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Sliced green onions

Pairings:
- Rice
- Noodles
- Bread

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup until it is hot before serving.

Food History:
Pinagong and bitter melon soup is a traditional Filipino soup that is often served during special occasions. It is believed to have originated in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.

Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness from the bitter melon.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup with a side of steamed white rice or noodles.

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Region: Philippine

Taste: Savory, Sour, Bitter, Herbal