Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Unwrapping the Flavors: Dive into the Delight of Lumpiang Hubad


If you're on the hunt for a dish that's as vibrant in flavor as it is in presentation, then look no further than Lumpiang Hubad. This Filipino classic is not only a heart-healthy option but also a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Made with the fresh taste of ubod, complemented by carrots, sinkamas, and peanuts, all topped with a luscious sweet-soy garlic peanut sauce, Lumpiang Hubad is a dish that celebrates simplicity and freshness.


When it comes to Filipino cuisine, Lumpiang Hubad stands out as a testament to the beauty of fresh ingredients. The star of the show here is the ubod, or heart of palm. It brings a unique crunch and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the vibrant carrots and crisp sinkamas. Together, they create a refreshing medley that's both nutritious and satisfying.

To start, heat up your pan over medium heat and pour in some canola oil. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the Knorr Shrimp Cubes. The shrimp cubes dissolve, releasing a savory aroma that sets the stage for the vegetables. Increase the heat to high, and toss in those beautiful strips of carrots, sinkamas, and ubod. This quick stir-fry ensures the vegetables stay crisp and vibrant.


What's a good dish without a sensational sauce? The sweet-soy garlic peanut sauce in Lumpiang Hubad is the perfect finishing touch. It brings a rich, nutty sweetness that elevates the entire dish. 

In a separate pot, combine brown sugar, water, and soy sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil. As the flavors meld together, prepare a slurry by diluting cornstarch with a bit of water. Add this to the pot, along with ground peanuts, to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Half of the minced garlic and peanuts join the vegetables, while the rest are reserved for topping.



Now that you've got your vibrant vegetables and rich sauce ready, it's time to bring it all together. Toss the sautéed vegetables with half of the garlic and peanuts, ensuring every piece is coated in that glorious sauce. The blend of textures—from the crunch of the vegetables to the smooth, nutty sauce—creates a dish that's as satisfying to eat as it is to behold.

Transfer your masterpiece to a plate, and sprinkle the remaining garlic and peanuts over the top. The contrast of colors and flavors makes this dish not just a feast for the taste buds but a visual delight as well. 


Lumpiang Hubad is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, it's a reminder of the simple joys of fresh, wholesome ingredients. The heart-healthy combination of vegetables and the delicious sauce makes it perfect for sharing with family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity and flavors of this delightful dish, and enjoy a true taste of Filipino culinary tradition. Lumpiang Hubad is ready to be savored and shared, bringing a touch of the Philippines to your table with every bite.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Chicken Wings and Dips: A Delicious Journey with CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix (Original)


There's something universally delightful about chicken wings. Whether it's the crispy skin, the tender meat underneath, or the array of dips that accompany them, chicken wings have a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). Today, I'm going to take you on a delicious journey with CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix (Original) and some mouth-watering dips that will elevate your chicken wing experience to new heights.

First, let's talk about the protagonist of our culinary story – the chicken wings. Our recipe calls for 16 cups (4000g) of chicken wings, a generous amount fit for a party or a weekend family gathering. The secret to their irresistible crispiness lies in the CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix (Original), which coats each wing to perfection.



The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Start by cutting the chicken wings on a countertop to separate the wing tip and the breast extension. This not only makes them easier to manage but also ensures that they cook evenly.

Next, comes the fun part – coating the wings with CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix (Original). This mix is a game-changer, turning ordinary chicken wings into crispy, golden delights. Make sure each wing is thoroughly coated for that perfect crunch.

Now, it's time to fry. Heat 8 cups (2000ml) of cooking oil in a frying pan. Ensure the oil is at medium heat before adding the wings. Fry the wings until they turn an appetizing golden brown. Once done, use a colander or strainer to drain the excess oil. This step is crucial as it helps maintain that coveted crispiness by allowing air to circulate around the wings.



While the wings are delicious on their own, the right dips and coatings can take them to another level. Let's start with a Garlic Parmesan coating. Simply mix 1 cup (250g) of grated Parmesan cheese with 1/4 cup (60g) of toasted garlic. This combination adds a savory, aromatic touch to the wings.

For those who prefer a tangy and smoky flavor, barbecue sauce is the way to go. Transfer 1 1/2 cups (300ml) of store-bought barbecue sauce into a serving bowl. The sweet and tangy notes of the sauce perfectly complement the crispy wings, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.



After all the frying and coating, you want to ensure your wings stay crispy. One of my favorite cooking tips is to place the fried chicken wings on a colander or strainer. This simple step allows air to circulate around the wings, keeping them crispy for longer.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different variants of CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix. The Spicy and Garlic variants add an extra kick, making your wings even more irresistible. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!



Now that your wings are perfectly fried and your dips are ready, it's time to assemble your masterpiece. Arrange the chicken wings on a serving plate, making sure they look as good as they taste. Serve them alongside the garlic Parmesan coating and barbecue sauce. 

As you bite into the crispy wings, the crunch followed by the tender, juicy meat will make your efforts well worth it. The garlic Parmesan coating adds a rich, savory layer, while the barbecue sauce provides a tangy contrast. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it impossible to stop at just one wing.



Chicken wings have a way of bringing people together, whether it's for a game night, a casual get-together, or even a solo indulgence. With CRISPY FRY® Breading Mix (Original) and the right dips, you can elevate this humble dish into a gastronomic delight. 

So, next time you're in the mood for some finger-licking goodness, remember this recipe. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's guaranteed to make you the star of any gathering. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Monday, July 22, 2024

Ginataang Hipon: A Filipino Comfort Dish You’ll Fall In Love With


Hey foodies! If you’re in the mood for something creamy, savory, and utterly delicious, then you’ve landed on the right page. Today, I’m going to share with you the secrets of cooking Ginataang Hipon. This Filipino dish is a real gem, combining the rich flavors of coconut milk with the succulent taste of shrimp. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure, shall we?



Before we get our hands dirty (in a good way!), let’s talk about the essentials you’ll need:

- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/4 cup leeks, sliced
- 1/2 kg shrimps, trimmed
- 1 (33 g) pack Knorr Ginataang Gulay Recipe
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic bits

Sounds simple, right? Trust me, it’s going to be a breeze!



First things first, let's prep our main star, the shrimp. If you haven't already, make sure your 1/2 kg shrimps are trimmed. This means removing the heads, shells, and, of course, that pesky vein. Once you’ve got your shrimp ready, set them aside.

Next, slice up your 1/4 cup of leeks. Leeks add a wonderful, subtle onion-like flavor to the dish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step. And while you’re at it, chop up that 1 tsp of garlic bits. Garlic is a game-changer in pretty much any dish, and Ginataang Hipon is no exception.



Alright, it’s time to get cooking. Heat your 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your garlic bits. Sauté them until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Ah, the aroma of garlic!

Now, add your sliced leeks to the pan. Cook them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The combination of garlic and leeks is already making this dish irresistible, and we’ve only just begun.



Now, it’s time to add our trimmed shrimps. Cook them until they turn a beautiful shade of pink. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Shrimps cook fast, so keep an eye on them.

Here comes the magic part: adding the coconut flavor. Grab your 1 (33 g) pack of Knorr Ginataang Gulay Recipe. This seasoning pack is a lifesaver and packs all the essential flavors you need. Mix it with 1 cup water and pour it over the shrimp and leeks in the pan.

Stir everything together and let it simmer. The coconut milk will thicken, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Keep stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.



Once your Ginataang Hipon is nicely simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper, depending on your preference. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

And voila! Your Ginataang Hipon is ready to serve. This dish is best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of rice. The creamy, coconut-infused sauce pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice, making every bite an absolute delight.


Now that your Ginataang Hipon is ready, it’s time to plate up. Serve it in a shallow dish to show off the vibrant colors of the shrimp and leeks. Garnish with a few extra slices of leeks or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. It’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you’ve got more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.



There you have it, folks! Ginataang Hipon is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The combination of tender shrimp, fragrant leeks, and rich coconut milk is simply unbeatable. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

So next time you’re craving something comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself making it again and again. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Ginataang Hipon!

Saturday, March 2, 2024

The Art and Science of Making an Exquisite Vegetable Tortilla


Welcome to an exciting journey into the world of culinary delights. In this comprehensive guide, we will be exploring the intricacies of preparing an irresistible Vegetable Tortilla. This dish, a delicious blend of various vegetables and a rich array of flavors, is not just a meal but a testament to the versatility and beauty of vegetarian cuisine. 



The first step towards creating a masterpiece is ensuring you have all the necessary tools and materials. In the case of our Vegetable Tortilla, the ingredients are key. 

Our list of ingredients for this dish includes:
- 2 tsps. (10ml) Olive oil
- 1/8 cup (20g) Onion, red, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (60g) Bell pepper, yellow, thin strips
- 1/2 cup (60g) Bell pepper, red, thin strips
- 1/2 cup (60g) Carrots, thin strips
- 1 cup (100g) Cucumber, thin strips
- 1/4 cup (55g) Kidney beans, canned
- Flavor Seasoning Mix (30% Less Sodium)
- 1/2 cup (125g) Yoghurt, Greek, plain
- 1/2 Tbsp. (1.5g) Coriander, chopped
- pinch (0.2g) Black pepper, ground
- 5 pieces (225g) Tortilla wrap, large, toasted



A clean, efficient workspace is the canvas upon which you will create your culinary art. Arrange your ingredients in order of use, clean your utensils and create a space that is both functional and inspiring.



Heat up your olive oil and begin the sautéing process. Start with the onions, then introduce the bell peppers, carrots, and lastly the cucumber. The secret here is to maintain a rhythmic dance between the vegetables, ensuring each piece gets the attention it deserves.



Once your vegetables have been sautéed, it’s time to introduce the Flavor Seasoning Mix. This is when your dish truly begins to come alive. The spices blend with the vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate.



Kidney beans add not just a delightful texture to the tortilla, but also a valuable source of protein. Rinse the canned beans thoroughly before adding them to your sautéed vegetables.



The Greek yoghurt serves as a creamy contrast to the crunchy vegetables. When added, it amalgamates the flavors and binds the ingredients together, creating harmonious bites every time.



The chopped coriander and ground black pepper are the final touches to your filling. They bring a fresh and spicy kick, respectively, rounding off the flavors beautifully.


After preparing the filling, it’s time to bring out the toasted tortilla wraps. Distribute the mixture evenly among the wraps, roll them up tightly, and you're almost there.



Presentation is key. Let your creativity shine as you decide how to plate your Vegetable Tortilla. Remember, we feast first with our eyes.



Finally, let's talk about storing and reheating leftovers. Proper storage ensures that your tortilla remains fresh, and understanding how to reheat it correctly guarantees that it tastes just as good the next day.

There you have it - a comprehensive guide to making the perfect Vegetable Tortilla. Happy cooking!

Saturday, February 24, 2024

The Creamy Delicacy: A Journey through the Art of Crafting Ginataang Hipon




Ginataang Hipon, a traditional Filipino dish known for its rich, coconut milk-based sauce and succulent shrimp, beckons the gourmet and the curious alike. This culinary delight harmoniously blends the sweetness of coconut milk with the delicate flavor of shrimps, creating a symphony of taste that comforts the soul. As we guide you through this exquisite recipe, prepare to immerse yourself in a transformational cooking experience.



For a dish as nuanced as Ginataang Hipon, the quality of ingredients plays a starring role. Begin by sourcing the freshest shrimp, their shells promising the savory secrets within. Complementing the marine harvest, leeks offer their subtle, onion-like undertones while garlic bits promise a pungent kick to the proceedings.



This culinary tale cannot unfold without meticulous preparation. Cleaning the 1/2 kg of shrimp is both an art and a science, ensuring that each piece will absorb the flavors fully. As you arrange the sliced leeks and measure the Ginataang Gulay Recipe pack, reflect on the culinary tapestry you are about to weave.



Heat the 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and introduce the 1/4 cup of leeks and 1 tsp of garlic bits to the stage. The sizzle signals the beginning of flavor extraction, setting the stage for a memorable ensemble of tastes and aromas that will cradle the shrimp in their creamy performance.


As the vegetables release their fragrant melody, the shrimps join the panoply, trimmed and ready. Their introduction to the heat is a critical segment in our cooking odyssey, where every second counts in achieving that perfect texture – neither undercooked nor overdone.



With anticipation building, the Ginataang Gulay Recipe pack and the 1 cup of water merge, unfurling their savory notes. This is the moment when coconut milk's velvety depths begin to envelop each ingredient, creating a base for our Ginataang Hipon that is as luscious as it is flavorful.



Low and slow, the mantra for the simmering process, allows every flavor to infuse gently. The sight of the shrimp bathing in the increasingly creamy sauce is a testament to the synergy of simple ingredients coming together to compose something far greater than their individual parts.



As we approach the climax of our Ginataang Hipon journey, adjustments are key. A careful taste will determine if additional seasonings are needed to elevate the dish to its highest potential. This is where a chef's intuition shines, guided by the symphony of flavors at play.



Visual appeal is the precursor to tasting, making the plating of Ginataang Hipon an art in itself. Ladle it generously, allowing the sauce to drape over the plump shrimp, and garnish with a sprinkling of vibrant greens that beckon the eyes to feast before the mouth does.



Ginataang Hipon is not just a dish; it's a narrative of Filipino culture, hospitality, and the blending of flavors that represent the heart of the archipelago. Every bite is a homage to the land's bountiful seas and the skill of its people.



Creating Ginataang Hipon is more than mere cooking; it’s a voyage through tradition, taste, and the joys of Filipino cuisine. With every spoonful, there’s a story to be told and a memory to be cherished.


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Savor the Simplicity: Master the Art of Making Nilagang Baka



Nilagang baka, a dish that hails from the culinary soul of the Philippines, stands as a beacon of comfort food. Seamlessly blending the tenderness of beef with the richness of vegetables, it captivates the palate with its wholesome flavors. Today, embark on a culinary expedition to craft the quintessential pot of nilagang baka, an experience that transcends mere cooking into the realm of creating art.


Begin your nilagang baka by carefully selecting quality ingredients. Starting with 1 kg of beef short ribs, this succulent cut provides the robust base for your broth. Place these ribs into a pot with 6 cups of water, ensuring they're submerged for a harmonious simmer. The initial roll of boiling water commences the journey to a rich and flavorful stock.


As you bring the beef and water to a boil, the introduction of essential aromatics beckons. A whole onion, peeled and quartered, melds its pungent sweetness into the developing stock. Add two crisp bay leaves and a teaspoon of whole black peppercorns to the mix, further enhancing the pot's aromatic allure.


Once the mixture reaches a boil, lower the heat to allow a gentle simmer. This step is the culinary cradle wherein the beef short ribs tenderize and release their full potential. Over time, the kitchen comes alive with a symphony of scents, signaling the makings of an unforgettable soup.


As the beef continues its softening sojourn, prepare to introduce a touch of sweetness with a cob of yellow corn. Cut the corn into two-inch sections, adding them into the pot. This vibrant ingredient not only infuses the soup with a charming sweetness but also contributes an enjoyable crunch amidst the tender backdrop of the meat.


A foundational vegetable, the potato, has always been a steadfast companion in the nilagang baka tale. Peel and quarter one substantial potato, then, at the rightful time, allow it to duck beneath the bubbling surface to adopt the flavors it encounters and become exquisitely tender.


As your nilagang baka nears its culmination, prepare a head of cabbage, chopping it into broad wedges. Introduce these to the pot, where they need only a short while to wilt and intertwine their subtle taste and soft texture with the other elements of the stew.


Finishing touches are like signatures on a masterpiece. Two sprigs of chopped spring onions, added in the final minutes of cooking, impart a mild onion zing and a pop of vibrant green that complements the dish's earthy palette.


With the nilagang baka now ready, the moment of plating arrives. Carefully ladle beef, veggies, and broth into bowls in equal measure. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh spring onions, bringing a final note of freshness to each serving.

As we reach the end of this cooking journey, we reflect on the warmth this dish brings. Nilagang baka represents not just a recipe, but a cultural tapestry woven with flavors that resonate across time and traditions. Its simple preparation belies the depth of comfort it delivers, making it an eternal staple in the Filipino culinary library.


The process of crafting a sumptuous pot of nilagang baka isn't merely a culinary task but an immersion into the heart of a culture. Through patience and love, one transforms basic components into a feast for the senses, a testament to the power of cooking with care.