Ginisang gulay or pakbet/pinakbet tagalog (sauteed vegetables with fish paste)

Ingredients

• 6 gloves garlic
• 1 large onion
• 2 large tomatoes
• 2 eggplants
• ¼ medium squash
• 6 medium okras
• 1 small bundle of string beans
• 2 small bitter gourds
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Preparation

• In a large wok or pan, place the meat with a small amount of water. Cook on medium heat until the liquid is reduced and the meat has rendered its oil and sizzling on the pan.
• Add the vegetable oil and fry the meat until lightly browned. Place the meat on one side of the pan and fry the garlic followed by onion and cook until translucent. Stir to mix with the meat. Add in tomatoes and continue frying.
• Dilute the fish paste in 1 cup of hot water. Strain to discard the solid particles. Pour fish paste solution into the pan and simmer until it boils.
• One by one add in vegetables starting with the eggplant, followed by string beans. After a minute, add in squash followed by bitter gourds.
• Finally, add in okra and continue cooking with the lid on. Continue sautéing with occasional stirring to avoid scorching the bottom. Go on until the veggies are just cooked through. Do not overcook the vegetables.
• Transfer in a wide shallow bowl and serve hot alongside some fried fish and steamed rice. This is an inexpensive but very delicious meal. Not to mention healthy.