Humba

FILIPINO · MAIN COURSE · SERVES 6

Humba is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the rich and savory flavors of pork belly, simmered to perfection in a delectable blend of soy sauce and brown sugar. This dish is often likened to Filipino adobo, but with a sweeter and more aromatic twist, thanks to the addition of star anise and black peppercorns. Traditionally served during festive occasions, Humba is not only a feast for the palate but also a dish steeped in history and culture, representing the heartwarming essence of Filipino hospitality.

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Ingredients

Original recipe serves 6

Pork belly
2 pounds, cut into chunks
Soy sauce
1/2 cup
Brown sugar
1/4 cup
Water
1 cup
Onion
1 large, sliced
Garlic
6 cloves, minced
Bay leaves
2
Star anise
2
Black peppercorns
1 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Cooking oil
2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the pork belly chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce and add the brown sugar, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and water. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Add the star anise and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently and continue to simmer until the pork is tender, about an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.

Tips

  • 💡 For a spicier kick, consider adding a few chopped chili peppers to the pot during the simmering phase.
  • 💡 You can substitute pork belly with pork shoulder for a leaner option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
  • 💡 Humba is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, but it also pairs well with pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

Dietary Information

Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 30g Carbs: 15g Protein: 35g Sodium: 800mg Sugar: 10g

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Teresa's Recipes

Humba

Humba is a beloved Filipino dish that showcases the rich and savory flavors of pork belly, simmered to perfection in a delectable blend of soy sauce and brown sugar. This dish is often likened to Filipino adobo, but with a sweeter and more aromatic twist, thanks to the addition of star anise and black peppercorns. Traditionally served during festive occasions, Humba is not only a feast for the palate but also a dish steeped in history and culture, representing the heartwarming essence of Filipino hospitality.

Serves 6 Prep 15 minutes Cook 50 minutes Level medium Cuisine filipino Main Course

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds, cut into chunks Pork belly
  • 1/2 cup Soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 large, sliced Onion
  • 6 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 2 Star anise
  • 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking oil

Dietary Notes

  • Servings: 6
  • Dish Type: Main Course
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Sugar: 10g

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the pork belly chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  4. Pour in the soy sauce and add the brown sugar, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and water. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Add the star anise and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently and continue to simmer until the pork is tender, about an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the rich sauce.

Tips

  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a few chopped chili peppers to the pot during the simmering phase.
  • You can substitute pork belly with pork shoulder for a leaner option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
  • Humba is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, but it also pairs well with pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
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