Pork soup for the soul

Many of the most delicious foods involve bones either in their ingredients or preparation. From simple bone stocks to meat on the bone to bone marrow. The humble bones of the animals that we consume provide more flavor than some might expect. This is apparent in many different cultures all over the world, from the hours long boiled tonkotsu bone broths of Japan to the rich dark demi-glace sauce of France. Filipino cuisine is no exception to this rule, many Filipino soups rely on cooking down the bones to get the best flavor and the most tender meat. For the purposes of this article, we will be examining the nilagang baboy or pork nilaga soup, a soup commonly served for lunch or dinner on regular days (but is particularly good on cold rainy days) while still serving as a comfort food.

Nilagang baboy is a simple soup of bone-in pork meat and vegetables boiled until both the meat and vegetables are tender. Served with a simple plate of white rice, the simplicity of the dish is what makes it so satisfying in my opinion. Though it is simple, the little steps that need to be taken are what makes the dish stand out. For example, cutting the vegetables into uniform pieces ensures that they cook evenly and have a consistent doneness. Skimming the scum that floats to the top of the broth during the first few minutes of boiling ensures a clear soup and removes the risk of foul odors. Even the seasoning used is simple, just a few parts of fish sauce and pepper is enough to give the dish a satisfyingly savory taste with the pork flavoring the broth and the vegetables imparting a subtle sweetness.

If you want to try your hand at making Nilagang Baboy at home, the Malagos Homegrown Produce store has pork bones for sale for any of your pork broth needs. They also carry fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms as well as fresh frozen meats and frozen ready to eat products and ready to cook meal kits. Go to their website now to buy local products online and see their catalog of organic food in Davao.