Pork Pochero Recipe ❤️

Pochero is a traditional Filipino dish that is widely loved for its heartwarming, rich flavors. This dish features a combination of tender pork belly, vegetables, and the sweetness of saba bananas, cooked in a flavorful broth. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the savory and sweet elements in perfect harmony. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal with family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork belly – cut into cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons oil
• 2 ripe saba bananas – each cut into 3 pieces
• 1 small carrot – cut into chunks
• 1 big or 2 medium potatoes – cut into quarters
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 medium onion – chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes – cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Pinch of ground pepper
• 2-3 cups pork broth – or water
• 1 cup Baguio beans
• 1 cabbage – sliced into 4

Instructions:

1. Boil pork belly in water until it becomes tender. Separate the meat and broth when ready to cook.
2. Heat oil in a deep pan or pot and fry the potatoes, carrots, and bananas until the edges are slightly browned. Remove from oil and transfer to a plate.
3. In the same oil, sauté garlic, onion, and tomato until limp.
4. Add the pork belly cuts and the tomato paste. Season with fish sauce and ground pepper.
5. Next, add back the fried potatoes, carrots, and banana (saba) along with the Baguio beans.
6. Pour in the broth/water and let it simmer to cook the potatoes and carrots and until the broth turns into a thicker sauce.
7. Lastly, add the cabbage and cover the pot for 3 minutes to cook the cabbage.

History:

Pochero is believed to have been influenced by Spanish settlers in the Philippines, as the dish shares similarities with Spanish puchero, a traditional stew made with meats, vegetables, and beans. Over time, Filipino cooks have put their own spin on the recipe by incorporating local ingredients, such as saba bananas and Baguio beans, giving the dish a unique Filipino flavor. It has since become a popular comfort food served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Benefits:

Pork Pochero is a nutritious dish that provides a variety of health benefits. The pork belly provides a rich source of protein and essential fats, while the vegetables offer important vitamins and minerals. Carrots, for instance, are rich in vitamin A, while Baguio beans are a good source of fiber. The addition of cabbage helps to promote digestion, and the bananas add a natural sweetness, giving a balanced nutrient profile to this dish. Overall, it’s a filling and nourishing meal that provides energy and sustenance.

Nutrition:

The nutritional profile of Pork Pochero can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size, but it generally offers:

• Calories: ~350-400 per serving
• Protein: 20-25 grams per serving (from pork and beans)
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams per serving (mainly from potatoes, carrots, and bananas)
• Fats: 20-25 grams per serving (from pork belly and oil)
• Fiber: 5-7 grams per serving (from vegetables and beans)
• Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, C, and K (from carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes)

Conclusion:

Pork Pochero is a heartwarming, savory, and sweet dish that combines the richness of pork belly with the goodness of vegetables and bananas. It’s a fantastic dish that represents the blending of Filipino flavors and influences from Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or as a comfort meal for your family, it’s a dish that brings people together, creating memorable moments and full bellies. Enjoy every spoonful of this traditional Filipino favorite!