Balatong, also known as mung beans, is a staple ingredient in many Filipino dishes, particularly in the Ilocano region. One of the most popular ways to cook balatong is by making it Ilocano style, which involves sautéing the beans with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, and then simmering them in a flavorful broth. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking balatong Ilocano style, and provide you with some tips and variations to make the dish even more delicious.
What is Balatong?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first talk about what balatong is. Balatong, also known as mung beans, is a type of legume that is commonly used in many Asian cuisines, including Filipino, Chinese, and Indian cooking. It is a small, green bean that is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling ingredient.
Nutritional Benefits of Balatong
Balatong is a nutrient-rich food that provides several health benefits. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of balatong:
- High in protein: Balatong is an excellent source of protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in fiber: Balatong is high in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.
- Low in calories: Balatong is low in calories, making it a great option for those who are trying to lose weight.
- Rich in antioxidants: Balatong contains antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Ingredients Needed
To cook balatong Ilocano style, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of balatong (mung beans)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of patis (fish sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients
You can also add other ingredients to make the dish more flavorful. Here are some optional ingredients you can use:
- 1/4 cup of chopped pork or beef
- 1/4 cup of chopped shrimp
- 1/4 cup of chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans)
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Instructions
Now that we have discussed the ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook balatong Ilocano style:
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Balatong
Rinse the balatong in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Then, soak the balatong in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic, Onion, and Tomatoes
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Finally, add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they start to soften.
Step 3: Add the Balatong and Broth
Add the soaked and drained balatong to the pot, along with the water, patis, vinegar, sugar, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the balatong is tender.
Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper
Season the balatong with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the balatong hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of ground black pepper.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make the dish even more delicious:
- Use a pressure cooker: If you want to cook the balatong faster, you can use a pressure cooker. Simply sauté the garlic, onion, and tomatoes, then add the balatong and broth to the pressure cooker. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the balatong is tender.
- Add other ingredients: You can add other ingredients to make the dish more flavorful. Some options include chopped pork or beef, shrimp, vegetables, ginger, and soy sauce.
- Use different seasonings: You can use different seasonings to give the dish a unique flavor. Some options include fish sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
- Serve with rice: Balatong is typically served with steamed rice. You can also serve it with other grains, such as quinoa or brown rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking balatong Ilocano style:
- Not soaking the balatong: Soaking the balatong is important to remove any impurities and to make it cook faster.
- Not using enough liquid: Using enough liquid is important to prevent the balatong from becoming dry and sticky.
- Overcooking the balatong: Overcooking the balatong can make it mushy and unappetizing. Cook it until it’s tender, but still firm.
Conclusion
Cooking balatong Ilocano style is a simple and delicious way to prepare this nutritious ingredient. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to soak the balatong, use enough liquid, and cook it until it’s tender. You can also add other ingredients and seasonings to make the dish more flavorful. With these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and traditional Filipino dish that’s sure to please.
What is Balatong Ilocano Style?
Balatong Ilocano Style is a traditional Filipino dish that originated from the Ilocos region in the Philippines. It is a type of bean stew made with balatong or hyacinth beans, which are commonly found in the region. The dish is known for its rich and flavorful broth, which is made with a combination of pork, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
The Ilocano style of cooking balatong is distinct from other Filipino dishes because of its use of local ingredients and spices. The dish is often served with steamed rice and is a staple in many Ilocano households. It is also a popular dish in Filipino restaurants and is often served during special occasions.
What are the ingredients needed to cook Balatong Ilocano Style?
The ingredients needed to cook Balatong Ilocano Style include balatong or hyacinth beans, pork, tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Other ingredients that may be added include bagoong or fermented fish paste, patis or fish sauce, and vinegar. The dish may also be garnished with chopped green onions and a squeeze of calamansi or Filipino lime.
The quality of the ingredients used can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Fresh balatong beans are preferred, but dried or canned beans may be used as a substitute. The pork may be cut into small pieces or ground, depending on the desired texture. The tomatoes and onions should be chopped finely to release their flavors during cooking.
How do I prepare the balatong beans for cooking?
To prepare the balatong beans for cooking, they should be washed and cleaned thoroughly. If using dried beans, they should be soaked in water overnight to rehydrate them. The beans should then be drained and rinsed before cooking. If using fresh beans, they may be used immediately.
The beans should be cooked until they are tender, which may take about 30 minutes to an hour. They may be cooked in a pot of boiling water or steamed until tender. The cooked beans should be drained and set aside before adding them to the stew.
Can I use other types of beans instead of balatong?
While balatong beans are traditional in Balatong Ilocano Style, other types of beans may be used as a substitute. These include kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. However, the flavor and texture of the dish may be affected by the type of bean used.
It’s worth noting that balatong beans have a unique flavor and texture that is distinct from other types of beans. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, which is enhanced by the spices and seasonings used in the dish. If using other types of beans, the cooking time and liquid may need to be adjusted.
How do I make the broth flavorful?
To make the broth flavorful, a combination of aromatics such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes should be sautéed in oil until fragrant. The pork may also be browned to add depth to the broth. The broth may be seasoned with salt, black pepper, and other spices such as patis or fish sauce.
The key to a flavorful broth is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the aromatics slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broth to thicken. The broth may also be simmered for a longer period to extract more flavors from the ingredients.
Can I serve Balatong Ilocano Style with other dishes?
Yes, Balatong Ilocano Style can be served with other dishes, such as steamed rice, grilled meat or fish, and fried vegetables. The dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of other Filipino dishes.
In fact, Balatong Ilocano Style is often served as part of a larger meal, which may include other dishes such as pinakbet or mixed vegetables, and inihaw or grilled meat. The dish is also a popular choice for special occasions such as fiestas and celebrations.
How do I store leftover Balatong Ilocano Style?
Leftover Balatong Ilocano Style can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish should be cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth. It may also be frozen for up to two months.
When reheating the dish, it’s best to reheat it slowly over low heat to prevent the beans from becoming mushy. The dish may also be reheated in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.