Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into a mouth-watering Filipino dish? Today, we're tackling the amazing Humba Panlasang Pinoy! This dish is a sweet and savory braised pork belly that’s super popular in the Philippines. It’s known for its rich flavors, tender meat, and the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. So, grab your aprons, and let's get cooking!

What is Humba?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what Humba actually is. Humba is a classic Filipino braised pork dish, often compared to adobo because both involve soy sauce and vinegar. However, humba distinguishes itself with the addition of fermented black beans (tausi) and sugar, which give it a distinct sweet and savory profile. Some versions also include pineapple juice or banana blossoms to enhance the sweetness and add unique textures. It's a dish that truly represents the Filipino love for bold and complex flavors. This dish is commonly served during special occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. Each region in the Philippines may have its own take on humba, with variations in ingredients and cooking techniques, making it a versatile and beloved dish across the archipelago. Humba is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings people together, celebrating the rich and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine.

The beauty of Humba lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it delivers. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and tausi creates a harmonious blend that permeates the pork, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The slow braising process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Humba is often served with steamed rice, which perfectly complements the rich sauce. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year, whether it’s a regular family dinner or a festive celebration. The versatility of Humba also allows for experimentation with different ingredients and variations, catering to individual preferences and dietary needs. You can add vegetables like potatoes and carrots to make it a more complete meal or adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste. The key to a great Humba is patience and attention to detail, ensuring that each ingredient is properly incorporated and that the pork is braised to perfection. So, next time you're looking for a dish that's both flavorful and comforting, give Humba a try and experience the magic of Filipino cuisine.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a fantastic Humba Panlasang Pinoy:

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup tausi (fermented black beans), rinsed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• Optional: pineapple chunks or banana blossoms

These ingredients are pretty easy to find in most Asian supermarkets or even in the international aisle of your local grocery store. The tausi, or fermented black beans, are a crucial component, so don't skip them! They add that unique umami flavor that sets humba apart. If you're feeling adventurous, the pineapple chunks or banana blossoms can add a lovely touch of sweetness and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Now, let’s talk substitutions. What if you can't find a specific ingredient? No worries, we've got you covered. If you can’t find pork belly, you can use pork shoulder or even pork hocks as a substitute. Just keep in mind that these cuts may require a longer cooking time to become tender. If tausi is unavailable, you can use a tablespoon of miso paste mixed with a teaspoon of fish sauce to mimic the umami flavor. For the brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but add a tablespoon of molasses to get that rich, caramel-like sweetness. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but remember that fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor. As for the vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used in place of cane vinegar. The key is to adjust the quantities to match the original flavor profile as closely as possible. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. So, don't be afraid to get creative and adjust the ingredients based on what you have available.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's how to cook Humba Panlasang Pinoy:

1. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and peppercorns. Mix well, ensuring that the pork is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the pork will be.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the marinated pork along with the marinade.
3. Braise the Pork: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the tausi and bay leaves. Pour in the water, ensuring that the pork is mostly submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: If using pineapple chunks or banana blossoms, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming too mushy.
5. Reduce the Sauce: Once the pork is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve: Serve the Humba Panlasang Pinoy hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Humba

To ensure your Humba turns out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Use Quality Pork: The better the quality of your pork belly, the more flavorful your Humba will be. Look for pork belly with a good balance of meat and fat.
• Don't Rush the Marinating Process: Marinating the pork overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more delicious dish.
• Simmer on Low Heat: Braising the pork on low heat ensures that it becomes incredibly tender without drying out.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter Humba, while others prefer a more savory one.
• Skim Off Excess Fat: As the Humba cooks, excess fat will rise to the surface. Skim it off occasionally to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

Serving Suggestions

Humba Panlasang Pinoy is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which perfectly complements the rich and flavorful sauce. However, there are many other ways to enjoy this delicious dish. You can serve it with garlic fried rice for an extra layer of flavor or pair it with a side of sautéed green beans or bok choy for a balanced meal. For a more festive presentation, garnish the Humba with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. Humba also makes a great filling for steamed buns (siopao) or can be served as part of a Filipino buffet alongside other classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. No matter how you choose to serve it, Humba Panlasang Pinoy is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Variations of Humba

The beauty of Humba lies in its versatility. There are many variations of this dish, each with its own unique twist. Here are a few popular variations you might want to try:

• Humba with Pineapple: Adding pineapple chunks to the Humba not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a tropical twist. The acidity of the pineapple also helps to tenderize the pork.
• Humba with Banana Blossoms: Banana blossoms add a unique texture and subtle sweetness to the dish. They are often used in the Visayas region of the Philippines.
• Humba with Potatoes and Carrots: Adding potatoes and carrots makes the Humba a more complete meal. These vegetables absorb the flavors of the sauce and add a hearty element to the dish.
• Spicy Humba: For those who like a bit of heat, adding chili peppers or chili flakes to the Humba can give it a spicy kick. You can also use chili-infused vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Humba: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pork with firm tofu or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add mushrooms for an umami flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Humba actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. To store leftover Humba, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze Humba for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it can last for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to reheat, simply transfer the Humba to a pot and heat it over medium heat until it's warmed through. You may need to add a little water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Humba Panlasang Pinoy is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich flavors and tender pork, it’s a true Filipino comfort food. Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients – the process is actually quite simple, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking, guys!