26 January, 2021
La Paz Batchoy Recipe
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Discovering the Richness of La Paz Batchoy: A Hearty Filipino Soup
La Paz Batchoy stands tall as one of the most iconic comfort foods in the Philippines. Hailing from the La Paz district in Iloilo City, this flavorful noodle soup brims with succulent pork, crispy pork cracklings, and a medley of ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the essence of this beloved Filipino dish through a homemade recipe that pays homage to its rich heritage.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb (about 250g) pork belly or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb (about 250g) pork liver, thinly sliced
- 6 cups beef or pork broth
- 1 onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis)
- 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (bagoong)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked miki noodles (or egg noodles)
- Chicharrón (pork cracklings) for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
- Fried garlic bits (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté minced onions and garlic until aromatic and golden.
- Cook Pork and Liver:
- Add the thinly sliced pork belly or shoulder to the pot. Stir-fry until lightly browned. Incorporate the sliced pork liver and cook until they turn golden.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef or pork broth. Season with fish sauce (patis), shrimp paste (bagoong), and black pepper. Let the broth simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the meats are tender.
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Meanwhile, cook the miki noodles or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Batchoy:
- Once the meats are tender, assemble the La Paz Batchoy by placing a serving of cooked noodles in individual bowls. Ladle the piping hot broth with pork and liver over the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish each bowl with crispy chicharrón (pork cracklings), chopped green onions, sliced hard-boiled eggs (if using), and fried garlic bits for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy the Richness:
- Serve the La Paz Batchoy immediately while hot, allowing the flavors to meld together for a comforting and soul-warming experience.
Tips:
- Enhance the Broth: For a richer flavor, you can simmer the broth with pork bones or add pork bouillon cubes.
- Traditional Garnishes: Other traditional toppings include fried garlic, fried shallots, and crushed pork cracklings for added texture and flavor.
- Customize with Condiments: Serve alongside calamansi or lime wedges for a touch of acidity and extra depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts:
La Paz Batchoy embodies the soul of Filipino comfort food—a steaming bowl of goodness that captivates the senses with its savory broth, tender meats, and a harmony of textures. Beyond being a dish, Batchoy encapsulates a sense of community, gathering families and friends around its warmth. This homemade recipe seeks to honor the heritage and tradition of this beloved Filipino soup, inviting you to savor each spoonful and relish the cultural richness that is La Paz Batchoy.
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