Pakbet Tagalog

Method

1. Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the pork belly and cook until lightly browned and some of the fat has rendered.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they have softened and released their juices.
3. Add the sautéed bagoong alamang and cook for about a minute to blend the flavours.
4. Add the kalabasa and sweet potato and a little water. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the ampalaya, eggplant, sitaw and okra. Cover again and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
6. Gently toss or shake the pan so the vegetables mix with the sauce without breaking apart.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with rice.