How do you cook pork nilaga?

How to Cook Pork Nilaga:

Ingredients:

* 1 kg pork, cut into 1-inch cubes

* 1 large onion, chopped

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 inch ginger, sliced

* 2 cups water

* 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

* 1 cup cabbage, shredded

* 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and sliced

* 1/2 cup potatoes, peeled and quartered

* 1/4 cup fish sauce

* 1 tablespoon salt

* 1 teaspoon black pepper

* 1 bay leaf

* 1-2 pieces star anise

* Optional: 1-2 pieces dried shrimp (rehydrated and chopped)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the pork: In a bowl, combine the pork, fish sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).

2. Sauté the onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Brown the pork: Add the marinated pork to the pot and cook until all sides are nicely browned.

4. Add water and aromatics: Pour in the water, add the bay leaf, star anise, and dried shrimp (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender.

5. Add vegetables: After 30 minutes, add the green beans, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Season and serve: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with rice.

Tips:

* You can use a pressure cooker to cook the pork faster. Follow your pressure cooker's instructions for cooking time.

* For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of pork lard to the pot when browning the pork.

* Feel free to add other vegetables to your nilaga, such as chayote, eggplant, or bok choy.

* If you don't have dried shrimp, you can omit it or substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of shrimp powder.

* Nilaga can be made ahead of time and reheated. It actually tastes better the next day!

Enjoy your delicious and comforting pork nilaga!