Authentic Filipino Bulanglang Recipe: A Healthy Vegetable Soup for All Seasons

Ingredients

  • 1/2 kilo of pork, cut into pieces
  • 1 medium-sized bitter melon, sliced
  • 1 medium-sized eggplant, sliced
  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium-sized onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch of string beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 bunch of water spinach (kangkong), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium-sized radish, sliced
  • 1 piece of squash, quartered
  • 1 cup of malunggay leaves
  • 1 piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 liter of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the pork pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  3. Add the garlic, onion, and ginger to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are softened.
  5. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Add the fish sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Start adding the vegetables, beginning with the ones that take longer to cook. Add the squash and radish first and let them cook for a few minutes.
  8. Next, add the string beans, bitter melon, and eggplant. Allow them to cook for 5-7 minutes.
  9. Finally, add the water spinach and malunggay leaves. Let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once all the vegetables are cooked and the flavors are well incorporated, remove the pot from the heat.
  11. Serve the Bulanglang hot with a side of steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - To cook the Bulanglang and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Knife - To cut and prepare the pork, bitter melon, eggplant, tomatoes, onion, and radish.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the vegetables and pork.
  • Garlic press - To mince the garlic cloves.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the fish sauce and water needed.
  • Vegetable peeler - To peel the skin off the ginger.
  • Stirring spoon - To stir the ingredients while cooking.
  • Ladle - To scoop and serve the finished Bulanglang.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of water to make a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Bulanglang: Add shrimp, fish fillets, or other seafood of your choice to the recipe.
  • Spicy Bulanglang: Add chili peppers or chili flakes for an extra kick of spiciness.
  • Coconut Milk Bulanglang: Replace the water with coconut milk for a richer and creamier flavor.
  • Chicken Bulanglang: Substitute the pork with chicken pieces for a different protein option.
  • Mushroom Bulanglang: Use mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms as a meat substitute.
  • Herb-infused Bulanglang: Add herbs like lemongrass or pandan leaves to enhance the aroma and flavor.
  • Root Vegetable Bulanglang: Instead of squash and radish, use other root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
  • Leafy Greens Bulanglang: Experiment with different leafy greens like spinach, kale, or cabbage.
  • Sour Bulanglang: Add a squeeze of calamansi or lemon juice to give the dish a tangy flavor.

Recipe overview

Bulanglang is a delicious and hearty Filipino vegetable soup. It's traditionally made with a variety of fresh, healthy ingredients including pork, bitter melon, eggplant, tomatoes, onion, garlic, string beans, water spinach, radish, squash, malunggay leaves, ginger, fish sauce, and seasoned with salt and pepper. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to include any type of vegetable you prefer. This recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing Bulanglang. Starting with preparing and browning the pork, followed by sautéing the aromatics, adding the water and seasonings, and finally adding the vegetables in stages. The result is a warmly satisfying soup that's perfect for a family meal. The layers of different vegetables provide a wonderful complexity of flavors, and the pork gives it a hearty depth. This Bulanglang recipe is not just tasty, but it's also a nutritious choice that's packed with vitamins and minerals. So, get your pot ready and let's start cooking some Bulanglang!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other meat instead of pork?
    Yes, you can use other meats such as beef or chicken as a substitute for pork in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I omit any of the vegetables?
    Yes, you can customize the vegetable selection based on your preference or availability. However, the combination of different vegetables adds to the flavor and texture of the dish.
  3. Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of Bulanglang?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or water instead of meat broth. Ensure to use vegetarian or vegan fish sauce alternatives or adjust the seasoning to suit your dietary preferences.
  4. Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
    Certainly! Bulanglang is a flexible recipe, and you can add other vegetables like okra, bell peppers, or even tofu if you prefer. Feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking.
  5. How can I make the soup more flavorful?
    You can enhance the flavor of the soup by adding a Knorr or Maggi cube, or even a small amount of shrimp paste (bagoong). These ingredients will add depth and richness to the broth.
  6. Can I make Bulanglang in advance?
    Yes, you can make Bulanglang in advance. It actually tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. Just make sure to reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Bulanglang and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for slicing and preparing the vegetables and pork.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for safely chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Serving bowls - Serving bowls are necessary for serving the Bulanglang.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle is useful for serving the hot Bulanglang soup.
  • Rice cooker or pot - A rice cooker or pot is needed to cook the steamed rice that is traditionally served with the Bulanglang.
  • Spoon and fork - Spoon and fork are the usual utensils used for enjoying the Bulanglang and rice.

Origin stories

In the heart of the Philippines, there's a comforting dish known as Bulanglang. Indigenous to the province of Batangas, this delightful concoction is a testament to the local's love for vegetables. The simplicity of its ingredients — an array of local produce simmered in a broth made flavorful with fresh seafood or meat — is a mirror of the uncomplicated life in the provinces. It's interesting to note that Bulanglang is also often associated with the Philippine's national hero, Jose Rizal, who hailed from a neighboring province, Laguna. Rizal, a known advocate of simplicity and humility, is said to have loved this modest dish. Bulanglang is not just a meal, it is a reflection of the Filipino spirit — simple, hearty, and full of life.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.