Lutong Bahay: Knorr Sinigang na Bangus sa Sampalok

Lutong Bahay is a short tag on the title which I use to feature home-cooked food, either in our own home or at a friend's house, either my own cooking or not.

If there's one dish that spells nothing short of being truly Pinoy, then it's Sinigang. Even if Adobo has gained worldwide recognition, I feel like the sour yet comforting and familiar taste of Sinigang can bring back more memories with every mouth-watering spoonful.

Although cooking Filipino dishes isn't really right up my alley, I decided to try it out and make my own Sinigang na Bangus sa Sampalok (Milkfish in Tamarind Soup) so I can impress my parents, even for once. Okay, not just to impress, but somehow show some appreciation through cooking them a hearty bowl of warm and comforting Sinigang.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium bangus (milkfish), cleaned and sliced
• 1 pack of Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok 2-in-1 Mix
• 4 cups of water
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bunch of kangkong or talbos ng kamote
• 2 radishes, sliced
• Finger chillies (Optional)
• Patis (fish sauce) to taste (Optional)

Procedure:

1. In a pot, boil the water with tomatoes, onion and radish.
2. Add the bangus and Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok 2-in-1 Mix, stir and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the fish meat turns white.
3. Turn the heat on low and add in the kangkong leaves or talbos ng kamote. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
4. Add finger chillies if you want some heat, and fish sauce for more flavor.

Personally, I would've loved to add chillies to my Sinigang na Bangus sa Sampalok. Unfortunately though, we didn't have some in the pantry so I had to just make do with whatever we have. My Sinigang was fantastic though! It tasted sour and very comforting, just like how my mom would make her Sinigang minus the kamias. It was my first time cooking this dish too and I'm happy that it turned out well. I guess I have Knorr to thank for 'cause I didn't have to look for sampaloc and make my own broth.

Anyway, I stumbled upon this video by Knorr and I think it's worth sharing. Have you seen Knorr's new TVC with the kid enjoying her OFW dad's Sinigang? This might not be directly related to the TVC, but this is still part of "Knorr Sinigang's Umuwi sa Sarap ng Sinigang" campaign. They held a flavorful airport salubong treating our country's modern-day heroes to a bowl of hearty Sinigang, making them feel that they're really back home.

I can't agree more that a sip of the sour yet familiar Sinigang can reconnect our OFWs to their Pinoy families and fond memories. Even my sister and my aunt who lived abroad for so long had craved for a hot bowl of Sinigang when they returned to the Philippines.

How about you, what Filipino dish reminds you the most of being Pinoy?