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### **Filipino Vegetable Stew (Pinakbet): A Hearty and Healthy Dish**
Whether you’re exploring Filipino cuisine or seeking a wholesome meal, **pinakbet** is a must-try. It’s not only flavorful but also a nutritious dish that showcases the bounty of local produce.
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Pinakbet is a traditional dish made with an assortment of vegetables, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), and sometimes meat or seafood for added flavor. Its name comes from the Ilocano word “pinakebbet,” meaning “shriveled,” referring to the vegetables simmered to tenderness in a flavorful sauce.
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#### Essential Vegetables:
– 1 cup eggplant, sliced into chunks
– 1 cup bitter melon (ampalaya), sliced into thin pieces
– 1 cup squash (kalabasa), cubed
– 1 cup okra, trimmed
– 1 cup long beans (sitaw), cut into 2-inch lengths
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Additions:
– 1/2 pound pork belly or shrimp (optional for non-vegetarian versions)