Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rice Dishes in The Philippines
Rice is grown in every Southeast Asian country except Singapore. It is a staple food in this region. Thus, almost every Southeast Asian country has a special rice dish which reflects their unique culture.
The Philippines have several unique staple rice dishes:
Arroz caldo or goto —A thin rice porridge cooked with chicken, ginger, onions and garnished with spring onions and calamansi.
Arroz Valenciana—A dish similar to paella but is instead cooked with chicken, beef, ham, sausages, and bell peppers and is cooked creamy. YUM.
The Philippines have several unique staple rice dishes:
Arroz caldo or goto —A thin rice porridge cooked with chicken, ginger, onions and garnished with spring onions and calamansi.
Arroz Valenciana—A dish similar to paella but is instead cooked with chicken, beef, ham, sausages, and bell peppers and is cooked creamy. YUM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Large_bibinka.jpg
Bibingka—A rice cake that is traditionally served with grated coconut. Rice flour is used. This popular dessert is baked is a specially-made clay oven, with a layer of hot coals over it. It is baked in 16 layers.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2219219125_690daecf10.jpg?v=0
Biko—A sweet rice dish made of sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and sugar and topped with thick caramelized coconut syrup and latik.
Pares—A rice dish topped with beef braised with soy sauce seasoned and garnished with spring onions.
http://media.photobucket.com/image/puso%20food/ripdiet/cebu-puso1.jpg
http://blogs.eveningsun.com/troublebrewing/puto.jpg
Puto—A pudding made from stone-ground soaked rice, sugar, coconut milk and then steamed. Various toppings such as cheese, salted eggs or minced meat may be added.
Suman—Sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and sugar and wrapped in banana or coconut leaves.
WOW. Rice never looked this tasty, right? Really makes me want to head over to The Philippines now and try every one of these yummy dishes. I appreciate our simple staple food: rice, more now!