A filipino dish, pork belly stewed into a shrimp paste based sauce. I know it might not sound very appetizing but trust me it's so good. Full of flavors ! Serve with a big bowl of rice !

Do not let your first thought on fermented shrimp paste keep you from trying this recipe. It has a very strong and distinctive smell but it adds a ton of flavors and it's a key ingredient to make this filipino pork stew. I bought mine at an asian grocery store but you can order it online here too.

Binagoongan, filipino shrimp paste stewed pork (serves 4) :

• 500g pork belly
• 1 red onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tomato
• 60ml (1/4 cup) white vinegar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp shrimp paste
• 1 to 2 bird's eyes' chilies
• Pepper
• Vegetable oil

Mince the red onion and garlic cloves.

In a pot, heat a little bit of olive oil and add the pork. Fry until browned and caramelized.

Fish the pork out and set it aside in a bowl.

Add the onions and garlic into the pot, fry for 5 to 8 minutes.

Chop the tomato.

Add the tomato to the pot and let it melt into the sauce for 5 minutes.

Put the pork back into the pot with vinegar, water and bay leaves. Simmer covered for 30-40 minutes.

Add the sugar, minced chillies and shrimp paste.

Mix well and let it thicken for a couple minutes.

Before serving, crack some blackpepper on top.

Serve over white rice !