Turon

This is a sweet dessert that is worth the effort.

Ingredients-
6  saba bananas or plantains
1 cup ripe Jackfruit
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
12 pcs spring roll wrapper
2 cups cooking oil

Utensils-
Pan 
Plate 

Start by cutting you bananas in half and on a plate with brown sugar. Roll the bananas in the brown sugar making sure they are well covered and place on the wrapper and add a little bit of the jack fruit. seal up the edges and fry. Repeat. Finish by drizzling with chocolate and enjoy 

Higadillo

Stew that you wouldn't think to have.

Ingredients-

1 1/2 lbs. pork
1 medium red onion
2 teaspoons garlic
1 teaspoon ginger
1 lb cow liver
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup Lechon sauce
3 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3/4 cup water
Salt 

Pepper
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Utensils-

Pan

In the pan heat up the oil. Mince the garlic, ginger, red onion and sauté till the onions are soft. Add in the pork strips and livers let cook for 3 minutes. Then add the soy sauce, water, vinegar and Lechon sauce bring to a boil. Once at a boil add the sugar salt and pepper. Let cook for 5-7 minutes. Serve and Enjoy.

Maja Blanca

Ingredients-

4 cups coconut milk
¾ cup cornstarch
14 ounces condensed milk
¾ cup fresh milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
15 ounces whole sweet corn
5 tbsp toasted grated coconut

Utensils-

Large pot 

Square cake pan

In the pot mix together Coconut milk, sugar, condensed milk and corn. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes. 

In a small bowl whisk the fresh milk and cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved then add to the pot. Let simmer till thickened. Pour into the pan and let chill for at least an hour. pull out add coconut and serve. Enjoy

Chicken Tinola

Ingredients-

1 lb. boneless chicken breast, chopped
5 cups chicken broth 
3 pieces chayote
2 tablespoons ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 medium onion
2 cups Spinach
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fish sauce 
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Utensils-

Pot

Start by preparing the Chayote, ginger, garlic and onions. Deseed the chayote and slice into wedges. Cut the ginger into thin strips, mince the garlic and last slice onions. In the oil sauté the onions, ginger and garlic. Once onions are soft add chopped chicken cook for 3 minuets then add in the broth let simmer for around 20 minuets. After 20 minutes add in the chayote wedges 5 more minuets then add in the black pepper, spinach and fish sauce. Enjoy. 

Biko

Ingredients-

2 cups  sticky rice or malagkit
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups brown sugar
4 cups coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt

Utensils-

Rice cooker

Cake pan

pot

Start by cooking the rice, well rice is cooking in another pot mix together the coconut milk , salt and brown sugar until the mixture thickens once both are finished add the rice into the coconut milk mixture. Stir till liquid soaked up or evaporated be careful not to over cook. In the cake pan pour in the rice and flatten. Let cool and Enjoy.

Saba Banana Dessert

This is another recipe that melts in your mouth and is so worth the calories.

Ingredients-

4  saba banana 
¾ cup brown sugar
1½ cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Utensils-

Large Pot 

So start by boiling the water add in the brown sugar and let delude. Next add in the salt and vanilla mix well. Lastly the saba bananas cover and let sit on medium until sauce is thickened.

Mamon filipino sponge cake

Sponge cake that keeps you wanting more 

Ingredient-

1 cup cake flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cream tartar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
6 eggs, yolk separated from white

Utensils-
Cake pan 
Electric mixer 
Small bowl
Preheat to 350 degrees 

 In a mixer add cream of tartar and egg whites. In a small bowl mix together the cake flour and baking powder and set aside. To the mixer add the sugar and mix until fluffy add in the lemon juice and egg yolks mix and lastly add the vegetable oil. Once this is well mixed add in your dry ingredients once smooth pour into greased cake pan. Bake for 13 to 17 minutes of until you can pull out a clean toothpick.Enjoy

Filipino Barbecue

Filipino Barbecue

I look forward to eating this every time we have a get together at my aunt's. Filipino Barbecue is simple and super tasty. Filipino Barbecue is a perfect cook out dish and the reason I am putting this recipe out now, is because I am already wanting the warm weather to come back. 

Ingredients-

2 lbs pork, sliced in approx. 6" by 1" strips

1/2 cup soy sauce

 Juice from 1 lemon

1/2 cup banana ketchup

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 tablespoons brown sugar

8 cloves garlic

Utensils-

Grill 

skewers 

large mixing bowl 

Let's get ready for grilling! In a large mixing bowl, mix together the pork, soy sauce, pepper, salt, finely chopped garlic and brown sugar. Use your hands to massage the ingredients into the meat. Let marinate overnight in the fridge. The next day when you are ready to grill remove the meat from the fridge and thread the strips onto the skewers. Grill and use left over marinade to lightly baste the meat grill till cooked through and enjoy.

Beef Empanada

Beef Empanadas can be an appetizer or main dish. My aunt made these for my cousins wedding shower and they were mouthwateringly good. This recipe has a lot of ingredients but they translate into flavor.

Ingredients-  
Dough:                                                                            

3 cups flour                                                                                         

1 cup cold unsalted butter                                                              
1/2 teaspoon baking powder                                                          
1/2 teaspoon salt                                                                           
3 tablespoons granulated sugar                                                     
6 tablespoons ice water                                                                

3 cups Frying oil                                                                           

Filling:                                                                             
   1 Ib Ground beef     

   1 Yellow Onion
   1 teaspoon salt 
  1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  1/2 teaspoon Paprika 
  1/2 cup green peas 

 1/2 cup beef broth

 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

                                                                                                            

 2 Tablespoons cooking oil

                                                                                          

Utensils-

2 mixing bowls

Frying pan or Fryer 
Sauce pan

In the sauce pan pour in  2 Tablespoons of cooking oil add the onion and ground pepper sauté. Add in the ground beef brown your meat for about 5 min. After 5 min. add in paprika sugar and salt,  mix together and then add beef broth. Cover and let simmer for 10 to 15 min. Well waiting start your dough in a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar mix together with a fork. After filling is done simmering take off heat and let the cool (the mixture should be thickened). In a pastry blender add the butter cut into chunks and cold water. Once the dough is formed roll into 3T size balls and place on a pan and refrigerate for 20 to 25 min. Take them out  on a floured surface flatten the ball into 4-5'' in diameter. in the middle place some of your filling and close off buy pressing down on the outer edge and then a fork. Repeat till done. Heat up the oil and then you can start frying. Until golden brown 3-5 minuets each. Let cool and enjoy. 

Lengua de Gato

This recipe is a cookie much like a lady finger and it is super easy and sweet.

Ingredients-

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract 

2 eggs Whites 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup butter, softened

 Utensils-

Electric mixer 

Piping bag w/ round tip 

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar. Add in egg whites on at a time keep mixing for 3-4 more minuets next add salt and vanilla, slowly mix in the flour keep mixing till well combined. Fill your piping bag. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper pipe the dough into 3in strips. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes. Enjoy.

Pancit

Pancit is an easy noodle dish that is great for gatherings. This was my older brothers favorite when we were kids. Someone usually makes pancit for thanksgiving and theres never leftovers.


Ingredients-
1 package (8oz) thin rice noodles
1/2 pound boneless,skinless chicken lags
1/2 pound pork tenderloin 
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 medium head cabbage shredded
2 large carrots shredded 
2 green onions chopped (1 inch)
Ground Pepper for taste 

Utensils-
medium bowl 
2 frying pans

Before you start cooking you will need to let the noodles sit in warm water until soft.
Once close to soft take your meats and in a pan brown them. Well browning add soy sauce and pepper. Set aside. In another pan sauté the cabbage and carrots until tender once there add softened noodles and green onions mix together. Cook for 5 minuets and add in your meats. Enjoy 

Butter Cookies

Almost every country has a butter cookies recipe.  Butter cookies are great for a holiday cookie exchange or for just putting on a few pounds to keep warm this holiday season. Cookies are the best thing about my Grandma's house during Christmas time. My dad's side of the family gathers at my grandmother's house in her house is a formal dining room table on it sweets from Buckeyes to Butterballs; I am in heaven.

Ingredients- 

1 cup softened butter 

1 teaspoon cream of tartar 

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup white sugar 

3 2/3 cornstarch

3 eggs 

Utensils- 

Mixing bowl 

Cookie sheets

Preheat oven to 375 degrees 

In your mixing bowl, mix together the butter, sugar and eggs until creamy. Add in the cream of tartar, baking powder and cornstarch; mix until combined. Butter the cookie sheets and roll the dough into 1 inch balls. Bake for  9-11 minutes. 

Let cool and enjoy!

Puto

This is another recipe that i first had at the Filipino american christmas party and although different very good. 

Ingredients-

2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
1 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Evaporated Milk 
2 Eggs, beaten
1 cup water

Utinslils-

Steamer 

Start by mixing together all your dry ingredients flour, baking powder and white sugar. Add butter, milk, eggs and water mix well. Pour your mixture into the individual molds. Set in steamer for about 20 min. Remove from steamer serve hot or cold. Enjoy

Bistek Tagalog

This is a dish that i have had since I was little and it is so good and pretty darn easy.

Ingredients
1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 piece lemon 
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic,
1 large onion 
3 Tablespoons cooking oil
salt to taste

Utinslis-

2 Sauce pans 

To start this recipe you have to marinade your beef in the lemon, soy sauce and ground black pepper. Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour. After well marinaded heat up your stove and in a sauce pan pour in your cooking oil. Add sliced onion until soft. Next take your meat out of the marinade (Keep marinade for later)and put into the sauce pan with the onion. In another pan add the garlic and marinade and bring it to a boil. Add in the meat and onions to the marinade let simmer for 15- 20 min.Add water as needed. Enjoy.

Crema de fruta

This is a delicious  dessert that makes me not feel as bad about eating because it has fruit. The base of this cake is sponge cake so it soaks up all the sweet flavor.

Ingredients- 

1 1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
8  egg yolks
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 big can fruit cocktail
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
4 cups milk
1/3 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups water

Utensils-

Cake pan 

2 mixing bowls  

Sauce pan

Preheat oven 350 degrees 

Start by making your sponge cake. Sift together the baking powder and 1 cup of flour and set aside. With an electronic mixer beat 4 egg yolks until thick to this mixture add 1/2 cup of sugar mix well and add in the baking powder and flour.  In the sauce pan combine 1 cup of milk, butter and vanilla leave on heat till butter is melted then have mixer on low and slowly add in the mixture in the sauce pan. Bake for 20-25 minuets. after you pull the cake out you are going to make the syrup. In a sauce pan 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar and mix until sugar is gone. Pour over the sponge cake and spread with a brush. Now we are going to make the custard combine 1/2 cup flour, 1 cup of sugar and 3 cups of milk in a sauce pan until thick. In the mixer add the other 4 egg whites beat stiff then add 1/2 cup of sugar. Add half of the sauce pan mix into the egg whites mix well and add back into the sauce pan. Layer the custard on top of the sponge cake. Drain the fruit cocktail and place over the cake. Dilute the gelatin in 2 cups of water. In a sauce pan bring the gelatin to a boil. let cool until just above room temp and then pour over the fruit. Refrigerate over night and serve the next day. Enjoy

Carioca

The Carioca recipe is a snack or dessert. Simple and sweet. The first time I remember having these was the first time I went to the Fil-Am (Filipino- American) Christmas party and I loved them.

Ingredients-

1 1/4 cups of coconut milk

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup sweet rice flour

2 cups cooking oil

Utensils-

Deep sauce pan or fryer

Mixing bowl

small sauce pan

Start by heating the oil up. In the bowl mix together the rice flour, shredded coconut, and 3/4 cups of the coconut milk. Once dough is formed,  roll them into tablespoon sized balls. Place several of the balls into the pot once the oil is heated. Keep the balls in the fryer for about 5 minutes of until light brown. Take out the balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Glaze- In the other sauce pan start by pouring the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut milk into the pan and bring it to a boil add in the brown sugar and stir constantly until thickened. Pour over or dip balls in, and enjoy.

Corned Beef Hash

If you are shying away from this recipe because you think it is like the corned beef hash you get in a can, I promise you that this recipe will change your mind.  This is a recipe my aunts and uncles make that is delicious and easy to make.

Ingredients-

12 oz can chunky corned beef (can be found at any Asian market)

1 yellow onion finely chopped

1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

3/4 cup of beef broth

1 large potato chopped into cubes

Salt

Pepper

3 Tablespoons of cooking oil

Utensils 

2 Frying pans with cover

Can opener 

Start by putting 1 Tablespoon of cooking oil in the frying pan; heat on medium heat. Once heated, add the diced onion and stir until soft. Next put the corned beef in to the pan and continue for a few more minutes. Pour beef broth in to the pan and cover for 20 min. and turn heat to low. In another pan, put the other 2 Tablespoons of cooking oil and add your potatoes. Once the pan is warm, cook for 5-7 minutes. After the 5-7 minutes, add the potatoes to the meat mixture and stir to finish.  Now You are  ready to serve the hash.  And like all things Filipino it is great with rice.  

Christmas with may family

Christmas has been on of my favorite holidays since I was a child and not just because we got presents. I was because I got to spend a lot of time with my family and I remember running around the kitchen and the dinning room. I remember all the different smells sweet and savory dishes. At christmas at my grandma & grandpas we have the basics of christmas ham, casseroles ect. We also do family favorites like the pandsol and lumpia. But my favorite part is the dessert table, everyone brings something one of my aunts brings buckeyes and chocolate covered pretzels my family always makes pecan butterballs and our recipe for sugar cookies which are my favorite. Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday.

Spam and Eggs

So this isn't really a homemade dish but it is something a lot of my family enjoy. Since this is usually served for breakfast you can make toast, hash browns whatever you want.

So all you really need is
Eggs
Spam

In a well greased pan crack one egg and cook it sunny side up. Slice your spam and brown both side  and serve. Enjoy

Fried rice

Dinner, lunch or breakfast-- I would eat fried rice for every meal if I could. My dad makes the best fried rice I've ever had. No restaurant can stack up. This is the recipe I learned from him.

Before you make fried rice you need to cook rice the night before and let chill over night (at my house we prefer jasmine rice but any long grain rice will work)

Ingredients-

3 eggs 

6 cups of cooked rice

1 Tablespoon Seasoned salt 

2 Green onions (Chopped)

Soy Sauce 

Small bits of meat (optional) 

vegetable of choice (optional)

Cooking oil 

Utensils- 

Sauce pan

Rice cooker

Start by turning on your burner to medium heat. Pour in 2 T. of cooking oil and let heat up.

Chop up your green onions. Once your pan has heated up, add three eggs and scramble them, Once the eggs are fully scrambled, add the 6 cups of rice and a tablespoon of seasoning salt. Stir everything together.  Add meat or vegetables if desired. Turn heat to low and stir occasionally until the rice is translucent. Once it's translucent, add in the soy sauce to desired taste. 

Pandesol

Some families like crescent rolls, others make frozen bread stix. No matter the family, every meal needs bread. In my family, one of our favorites is Pandesol.  It's a super easy, but extra tasty bread the satisfies your bread cravings. 

Ingredients  

Frozen bread loaves 

Bread crumbs 

Salt  

Bread loaf 

Butter (melted and not)

Utensils 

Plate 

Cookie sheets 

Cloth 

Brush 

If you want to bake the next morning, then you can set your bread out the night before (at least 7 hours) with a light cloth over it at room temperature.  When you're ready to start, pour 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs on to a plate and mix with 1Tablespoon of salt and set aside.  Once bread has risen, tear into golf ball size or just a little bigger; brush the tops with melted butter, then roll in your bread crumb mixture. Repeat until done. Place on buttered cookie sheet place in oven until golden brown ( varies based on oven) 15-20 minutes.

Lumpia

Do you remember when you were a little kid and your Mom or your Grandma just got done baking something?  They'd  put it out on a plate to cool and you would do a quick run through  the kitchen to snatch one before anyone saw. Well instead of a cookie or cake, at my Grandma's house it was a dash for Lumpia. Lumpia is a very simple appetizer that is made for all our family gatherings and there are never enough.

The ingredients for Lumpia:

 

1 Ib ground beef

1 Tablespoon La Choy Soy Sauce

3 eggs

salt and pepper for taste

1 can water chestnuts

Wonton wrappers (approx. 60) square or circular

Oil for frying

Optional:  La Choy Sweet and Sour Sauce

Utilities

large bowl

2 small bowls

something to fry in ( I use a medium sauce pan)

If you are not using a fryer, put your oil on the stove and let it heat up. In your large bowl, mix your ground beef, soy sauce, ground pepper, 2 eggs, and pinch of pepper and salt. Finely chop up the can of water chestnuts then add that to your meat mixture. Once everything is mixed in, put aside.  In a small bowl use a fork to beat the third egg as a wash for your wonton wrappers. Grab a wrapper and a small amount of you meat mix in to the middle of the wonton and then fold the ends and tightly roll and seal with water. Use a brush to brush on the egg.  Repeat. Once your done place two or three in the pot and fry until golden brown. Place them on a paper towel to cool and once cooled enjoy plain or dip in some sweet and sour sauce.

Caldereta

Need a dish for a cold fall day? This is the dish. Caldereta is similar to beef stew.  We usually serve over rice. This dish is simple, but takes a little longer to prepare because the flavors mix over a slow simmer.   It is really easy to make large portions for a party or to take to a potluck. I made a larger portion this time because I was cooking for some of my friends.  None of them had had filipino food before and they seemed to enjoy this dish, so even if you're serving some picky eaters, this dish can please.

Ingredients for Caldereta:

 Mama Sita's Caldereta mix(can be found at any asian market) 

 Stew meat 1Ib to 1.5Ib (already cut in to pieces)

 2 bags of frozen peas and carrots 

 2 or 3 medium to large russet potatoes 

 Water 1 1/2 cups

 Vegetable oil 1/2 Tablespoon

Utensils Needed:

 Large sauce pan with lid

 Wooden spoon 

 Paring knife 

 cutting board 

 Start by turning on you burner to medium and let it warm up. Pour the vegetable oil into the pan (if it sizzles, a lot turn heat down). Put your stew meat into the hot oil in the pan and let the meat brown, stirring occasionally. While the meat is browning, wash your potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Once the meat is browned, add both bags of your frozen vegetables and the potatoes; mix every thing together. Once well mixed, add the water and Mama Sita's  Caldereta mix; stir it well again.  Turn down heat to low and cover. Stir occasionally for around 30-40 minutes (it is done when your potatoes are fork tender).

Have a good day and a Great filipino meal

Adobo

So for my first recipe, I decided to do one of my personal favorites: Adobo If you've never have had Filipino food, it's an inviting dish to try out. It's called Adobo; it can be done with either chicken or pork. This time I used chicken. It can also be prepared either on stovetop or in the crockpot.

I'm a college student, so since I don't have a crockpot, I'll be using the stove.  However, I will put up the crock pot recipe for those of you who would like to do it that way.  The main difference between the two ways is the flavor soaks in more with the crockpot, which in turn makes the meat more tender.  

But either way you have a great adobo dinner.

Ingredients for Adobo: 

2 Tablespoons Soy sauce

1/3 Cup Vinegar

1 teaspoon Salt

1/4 teaspoon Pepper

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1/2 Tablespoon Garlic powder

1 1/2 Ib Chicken or pork

Utensils needed:

 Large Sauté pan or skillet with cover

 Tongs or a fork

 Bowl

  

Makes 4 Servings

In a bowl, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar and garlic powder. Once mixed, set aside.

Place your meat in the cold pan, leaving space in between. Pour 1/2 of your soy sauce mixture over the meat in the pan.  Flip your meat over and pour over the rest.   Let the chicken sit and soak up flavor for 30 minutes (Tip:15 minutes flip over and mix around for even coverage.)

Once 30 minutes has elapsed,  turn your burner to simmer or just a little higher (no higher than 3 on an electric stove)  Let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.  You may flip while cooking if you choose.

It's time; check to make sure there is no pink in your meat, and you're ready to serve. I serve everything over jasmine rice, but if you don't like rice, the chicken tastes great all on its own.

Crockpot version 

Ingredients 
 Chicken 6 legs 6 thighs 
  1 1/3 cups Vingar
  8 Tablespoons Soy sauce
  3/4 teaspoons Pepper
  1 1/2 Tablespoons Garlic powder
  1 Tablespoon Salt
  3 Tablespoons Sugar
  1 Cup Water
Utilities
5 quart crockpot

Super simple. Put everything in the crockpot  cover and leave on low for 6-8 hours (put in before work; take out around no earlier then 5:00)

Enjoy!

If you would like, leave a comment below, and have a good day and a great Filipino meal.

Welcome!

Hello, My name is Ali Lindo. Welcome to my blog,The Hearty Filipino,I’m am a third generation American on my father's side.I’m part Filipino and have been enjoying the sweet and savory sides of the culture since I was little kid.  

In my opinion, the best and cheapest way to travel to a country without actually going there, is to indulge in their cuisine. I have found that many people have not tried any Filipino or pinoy food and when I ask why they haven't tried it, they respond,  “I don’t think I'll like it.”  Wrong!  Even with some super picky eaters in my family, there is at least one dish they love and usually more. 

So in my blog you, will find simple recipes for any family not just Filipinos. Each week, I will post at least one recipe and will take pictures just to get you licking your lips. The recipes will vary from appetizers to desserts.Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy the recipes.