Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a classic Filipino dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds: Humba Panlasang Pinoy. This dish is a sweet, savory, and incredibly flavorful pork stew that's a staple in many Filipino households. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again. So, let’s get cooking!

What is Humba?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk a bit about what Humba actually is. Humba is a braised pork dish, similar to adobo, but with a sweeter and richer flavor profile. The sweetness comes from the addition of brown sugar and sometimes pineapple juice, which complements the savory soy sauce and other spices. This dish is all about that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Humba

To make authentic Humba Panlasang Pinoy, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include pork belly (the fattier, the better!), soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and star anise. Some recipes also call for dried banana blossoms (optional but adds a unique flavor) and pineapple chunks or juice.

• Pork Belly: The star of the show! Pork belly provides the rich, fatty goodness that makes Humba so decadent. Don't skimp on the fat – it renders down during the braising process, adding tons of flavor to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: This is your primary source of salt and umami. Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
• Vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the dish. It also helps to tenderize the pork.
• Brown Sugar: The key to that signature Humba sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
• Garlic: Because no Filipino dish is complete without a generous amount of garlic!
• Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves add a subtle but essential layer of flavor.
• Peppercorns: Adds a bit of spice and complexity.
• Star Anise: This spice contributes a warm, licorice-like aroma that's characteristic of Humba.

Why Humba is a Must-Try

Humba isn't just a dish; it's an experience. The combination of flavors, the tender pork, and the rich, glossy sauce make it incredibly satisfying. It's perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it's relatively easy to make, and the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Step-by-Step Humba Panlasang Pinoy Recipe

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through how to make this delectable dish. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a fantastic Humba Panlasang Pinoy in no time!

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2-3 star anise
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup dried banana blossoms (optional)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks or 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the pork belly, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and star anise. Mix well, ensuring the pork is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Sear the Pork: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear the pork on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor.
3. Braise the Pork: Pour the reserved marinade into the pot with the seared pork. Add water (and pineapple juice, if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is very tender. Check the pot occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you're using dried banana blossoms, add them to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. If you're using pineapple chunks, add them during the last 15 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft.
5. Adjust 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. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness.
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and star anise before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for the Best Humba

• Use Quality Ingredients: As with any dish, the quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final result. Opt for good quality pork belly and soy sauce.
• Don't Rush the Marinating Process: Marinating the pork overnight is ideal, as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Sear the Pork Well: Searing the pork before braising adds a layer of flavor that you don't want to miss.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Braising the pork over low heat for a long period ensures that it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: Humba is traditionally sweet, but you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Variations on the Classic Humba Recipe

While the classic Humba Panlasang Pinoy is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

Humba with Pineapple

Adding pineapple chunks or juice to Humba adds a tropical twist and enhances the sweetness of the dish. Some people like to use both for an extra burst of flavor.

Humba with Black Beans

Incorporating fermented black beans into your humba recipe introduces a savory, salty, and slightly funky element. This variation is particularly popular in some regions of the Philippines.

Spicy Humba

If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to your humba. This will balance the sweetness and add a pleasant kick.

Humba with Potatoes and Carrots

For a heartier meal, add potatoes and carrots to your humba during the last hour of cooking time. This turns it into a more complete and filling dish.

Serving Suggestions

Humba is typically served with steamed white rice, which provides a neutral base to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

• With Garlic Fried Rice: For an extra flavorful meal, serve humba with garlic fried rice.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Balance the richness of the humba with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
• As a Filling for Steamed Buns (Siopao): Get creative and use humba as a filling for steamed buns.
• With Pickled Vegetables (Atchara): The acidity of atchara complements the sweetness of the humba.

The Cultural Significance of Humba

Humba is more than just a dish; it's a part of Filipino culture and heritage. It's often served during special occasions, such as birthdays, fiestas, and family reunions. The act of sharing humba with loved ones is a symbol of togetherness and celebration.

Humba Across Different Regions

Like many Filipino dishes, Humba has regional variations. In some areas, it's made with more vinegar, while in others, it's sweeter. Some regions add unique ingredients like tausi (salted black beans) or even different types of protein like chicken or beef.

Humba: A Taste of Home

For many Filipinos living abroad, Humba is a taste of home. It's a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, comforting flavors, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Making and sharing humba is a way to stay connected to their roots and share their culture with others.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Humba Panlasang Pinoy!

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide on how to cook Humba Panlasang Pinoy. With its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade Humba!