PINAKBET, an Ilocano dish, is stewed vegetables commonly composed of eggplant, bitter melon (ampalaya), okra, and tomatoes. It is seasoned with ‘bagoong isda’ or thick salted fish sauce.
The following are 10 interesting things about this dish:
1. Eating nutritional dish “pinakbet” can prevent diseases like diabetes. (neonate28.blogspot.com)
2. Pinakbet or pakbet is an indigenous Filipino dish which is a specialty of the northern regions of the Philippines.
3. Taking a cue from the Bicolanos, some twist the original pinakbet a bit by adding coconut milk (‘gata’) and lacing it with chili. Those who are not fond of ‘ampalaya’ (bitter gourd) may be glad to find that it can be not so bitter using this technique. (foodbatangas.com)
![](http://ourhappyschool.com/sites/default/files/LoveRizalJensen_0.jpg)
4. There are 184 calories in a 1 cup serving of pinakbet. Calorie breakdown: 6% fat, 74% carbs, 20% protein. (fatsecret.com)
5. Green garlic is preferred by Ilokanos for a kind of aromatic stew called ‘pinakbet a bawang’ (actually an inabraw), cooked in bagoong, kamatis, and ginger just like the way an Ilokano pinakbet medley is done. A pinakbet with lots of young garlic is also a staple during green garlic times. (pinakbetrepublic.blogspot.com)
6. “Pinakbet Pizza” is like slobbing Ilocano dish on a pizza dough with cheese and marinara sauce. (tripadvisor.com)
7. The “Pinakbet sa Kawa” is one of the features of the weeklong Ilokano fiesta celebration which started in 2009. The first festival required residents to grill rows of eggplants on the streets. (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
8. Pinakbet is very popular in the Philippines for its mouth watering and exotic taste and for the veggie lovers around the lovely planet, Pinakbet is also an awesome feast. (thelovelyplanet.net)
9. The Pinakbet Pizza is usually topped with vegetables like string beans, sliced eggplant, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. It’s kinda weird but a unique taste of pizza. (nerdygaga.com)
10. If you are allergic to bagoong (shrimp paste), you might want to use tuyo instead for your pinakbet. (casaveneracion.com)![](http://ourhappyschool.com/sites/default/files/collabRizalJens_0.jpg)
I personally believe that ‘pinakbet’ is really a part of Philippine culture. It’s one thing that we Filipino can be proud of!
Uniqueca Lorraine S. Sales, the contributor, is from Mandaluyong City, Philippines. A girl who loves smiling and singing, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy year (facebook.com/uniqueca)
Question for discussion:
What is your favorite version of pinakbet/pakbet?
Tags: Sociology, Araling Panlipunan, T.L.E., Philippine Culture, Cooking, Home Economics
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Comments
Anonymous (not verified)
Tue, 08/06/2013 - 06:26
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Philippines
Jaynie Ann Llames (not verified)
Sat, 08/17/2013 - 15:21
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Pinakbet is a nutritious and
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