Bicol Express

Bicol Express is the name given to a popular dish which originated in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is a stew made with red hot chilli peppers (siling labuyo in Philippines), coconut milk (gata ng niyog), shrimp paste (bagoong na alamang), onion, pork, and garlic.

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup corn oil or olive oil (if you're health conscious)

* 1 kilo of pork - cut into 1/2 inch slices

* 3 tablespoon garlic - minced

* 1/2 cup onions chopped

* 1/4 cup fresh ginger - chopped

* 1/2 cup of Shrimp paste (Bagoong alamang)

* 1/2 tablespoon chopped red chili peppers (siling labuyo)

* 1 1/2 cup fresh red or green bell pepper, sliced diagonally

* 3 cups coconut milk (preferrably fresh)

* salt and pepper

Cooking Procedure:

1. In a pan, fry pork for a few minutes until its brown then put it on the side.

2. Saute garlic in hot oil then add onions and cook until slightly brown.

3. Stir in fresh ginger, and the cooked pork that you've set aside.

4. Add Shrimp paste and chopped hot chilli (siling labuyo).

5. Pour in 6 cups of coconut cream, do not stir and let it boil until the sauce is thick enough.

6. Then add the sliced green and red bell peppers. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes.

7. Add salt and pepper according to your taste.

Please note that Red Hot Chilip Peppers can really sting, be careful on the amount of chilis you put. :)