Humba Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Pork Stew
The Philippines boasts a rich culinary heritage, and among its most beloved dishes is Humba. This savory pork stew, characterized by its sweet and savory flavors, is a true testament to Filipino cooking. Learn how to make this iconic dish with our comprehensive guide.
What is Humba?
Humba is a braised pork belly dish that’s deeply infused with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The result is incredibly tender pork, practically melting in your mouth, swimming in a rich, flavorful sauce. Variations exist across the Philippines, with some families adding their unique twists to the recipe passed down through generations. This recipe provides a classic approach that’s easy to follow, even for beginners.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Adjust accordingly for your needs.
- 1 kg Pork Belly: Cut into 2-inch cubes. Choosing a good quality pork belly is crucial for achieving the best results.
- 1 cup Soy Sauce (Soy Sauce): This provides the salty base of the flavor. Look for a good quality soy sauce for the richest taste.
- 1/2 cup Sugar (Sugar): Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and creates the signature sweet and savory profile. Brown sugar can add a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup Water (Water): Helps create a luscious braising liquid.
- 4 cloves Garlic (Garlic): Minced or crushed, garlic adds a pungent aroma that complements the pork beautifully.
- 1 medium Onion (Onion): Chopped, the onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 bay leaves (Bay Leaves): These impart a subtle herbal note, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (Black Peppercorns): Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- Optional additions: Some recipes call for star anise, cloves, or even a touch of vinegar for extra depth.
Step-by-step Humba Recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork belly cubes over medium-high heat. This step helps to develop a rich flavor and color. Brown the cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the pot and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soy sauce, sugar, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Braise the Pork: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 - 2 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the more tender the pork will become.
- Reduce the Sauce: Once the pork is tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.
- Serve: Serve the Humba hot, alongside steamed rice. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with other Filipino side dishes.
Tips for the Best Humba:
- Don't rush the braising process. The longer you simmer the pork, the more tender it will become.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference. You can always add more sugar or soy sauce depending on your taste.
- Use a good quality pork belly. The marbling in the pork belly contributes significantly to the overall flavor and texture.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Spicy Humba: Add some chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Humba with Potatoes: Add potatoes during the last hour of cooking for a heartier meal.
- Serve with: Steamed rice, pancit (Filipino noodles), and atchara (pickled papaya).
This Humba recipe is a delicious journey into Filipino cuisine. Enjoy creating this comforting and flavorful dish, and share the experience with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
