This vegetable dish is a simple to cook bamboo shoots with coconut cream. Buying fresh and good quality bamboo shoots is bit tricky because you usually don’t know how it is prepared commercially when sold in supermarkets or wet markets. If not properly prepared, they will have a foul odor. Some vendors just put them in dirty tin cans which contaminates the bamboo shoots. Aside from that, you also have to know if those are really young and tender shoots because some vendors sell them even though they are very tough, it’s like you are eating wood shavings. And about the coconut cream, the method in the recipe below is that traditional way of extracting cream but you can use canned coconut cream.
A Flavorful Bamboo Shoots Delight
Welcome to a delightful Filipino dish that combines the earthy goodness of bamboo shoots with the rich and creamy flavor of coconut milk. In this culinary journey, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this dish, ensuring that you savor every bite without the pitfalls of poorly handled bamboo shoots or subpar coconut cream. Let’s dive into the kitchen and explore the art of creating a perfect labong dish.
Selecting Fresh and Quality Bamboo Shoots
Before we embark on the cooking adventure, it’s crucial to source the freshest and highest-quality bamboo shoots. The market can be tricky, and often, unsuspecting buyers may end up with shoots that have an unpleasant odor or a tough texture reminiscent of wood shavings. To avoid this, follow a simple rule: soak the bamboo shoots in water for at least an hour. This process not only cleans the shoots but also helps in assessing their tenderness.
Once soaked, drain the bamboo shoots thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water. This sets the stage for the main act, where bamboo meets coconut in a harmonious blend of flavors.
The Traditional Coconut Cream Extraction Method
Coconut cream is the star that binds all the flavors together. While canned coconut cream is an option, we recommend the traditional method for a truly authentic experience. Here’s how:
- Begin by adding a cup of lukewarm water to freshly grated coconut.
- Embrace your inner chef and use your hands and fingers to squeeze the coconut until the milk emerges.
- Strain the coconut milk through a sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl, setting aside the liquid ambrosia.
For the second extraction, pour two cups of water onto the grated coconut, repeat the squeezing process, and strain the liquid directly into your cooking vessel. Now, you have a coconut milk foundation that will elevate your bamboo shoots dish to new heights.
Crafting the Flavor Symphony
With the coconut milk ready, it’s time to orchestrate the rest of the ingredients. In a pan or pot containing the second coconut milk extraction, add ginger, garlic, onion, pork, shrimps, pepper, and seasoning. Stir gently as you bring this flavorful medley to a boil.
After three minutes of bubbling bliss, introduce the soaked and drained bamboo shoots into the mix. Cover the pan and let the ingredients simmer for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the bamboo shoots to absorb the rich flavors, creating a delectable union of coconut and earthiness.
Perfecting the Harmony
As the flavors meld, it’s time to add the pièce de résistance – the thick coconut cream. Allow the bamboo shoots to continue simmering until they reach the desired tenderness, and the sauce achieves the perfect thickness. This final stage is where the magic happens, transforming disparate ingredients into a harmonious and mouthwatering masterpiece.
Two minutes before declaring your culinary creation complete, toss in some green finger chilies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mince the chilies for an extra kick, elevating your dish to a spicy sensation.
Serve and Savor
Your journey is now complete. Scoop a generous portion onto your plate, and take a moment to appreciate the symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The bamboo shoots, infused with the coconut cream and a blend of aromatic spices, create a dish that pays homage to Filipino culinary tradition.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your gateway to a delightful and authentic Filipino dining experience. Embrace the art of balancing flavors, and let the bamboo shoots and coconut cream transport you to a culinary haven. Cheers to the perfect blend of tradition and taste!
How to Cook Ginataang Labong:
Ingredients
- 2 cups bamboo shoots strips
- 1 pc big mature coconut grated
- 100 grams small fresh shrimps peeled
- 100 grams pork belly cut into small cubes
- 2 pcs siling haba finger chili
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. ginger minced
- 1 tsp. MSG or granulated seasoning
- salt to taste
Instructions
How to cook ginataang labong:
- Soak labong in water for one hour. Drain. Squeeze out the water and set aside.
- Add a cup of lukewarm water to the grated coconut, squeeze with your hands and fingers until the coconut milk comes out from the grated coconut.
- Extract the milk by squeezing the grated coconut on a sieve or cheese cloth and pour it into a bowl. Set aside.
- Make a second extraction by pouring 2 cups of water on the grated coconut and squeeze again and strain the grated coconut using a cheese cloth and squeeze directly on the pan or pot.
- Then add ginger, garlic, onion, pork, shrimps, pepper and seasoning.
- Bring to a boil while stirring gently. After 3 minutes of boiling, add the bamboo shoots. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Then add the thick coconut cream, simmer until bamboo shoots is done and the sauce is thick.
- Add the green finger chili 2 minutes before the cooking is done. You can also mince the chilies if you want the dish hot and spicy.
Notes
Cooking Tips:
1: Mastering the Bamboo Shoot Soaking Technique To ensure that your dish is a culinary triumph, start with the bamboo shoots. Soak them in water for at least an hour, allowing any impurities to be washed away. This step not only cleans the shoots but also plays a crucial role in assessing their tenderness. A well-soaked bamboo shoot contributes to the dish's overall texture, ensuring a delightful eating experience. 2: Elevate Flavor with Homemade Coconut Cream While canned coconut cream is a convenient option, consider embracing the traditional method of coconut cream extraction for an authentic taste. Squeezing the grated coconut by hand adds a personal touch to your dish and allows you to control the thickness of the coconut cream. This extra effort pays off in the final result, as the homemade coconut cream becomes the soul of your dish, enhancing its richness and depth of flavor. 3: Timing is Key in the Flavor Fusion Process Achieving the perfect harmony of flavors in the dish requires careful timing during the cooking process. After adding the bamboo shoots to the pot, let them simmer for around 10 minutes. This allows ample time for the shoots to absorb the essence of the coconut cream and the other aromatic ingredients. Additionally, introducing the thick coconut cream at the right moment ensures that it melds seamlessly with the bamboo shoots, creating a luscious and well-balanced sauce. Pay attention to the timing, and you'll be rewarded with a dish that captivates the taste buds with every spoonful.
