Authentic Filipino Law-oy Recipe: A Healthy Vegetable Soup from Visayas

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of pork belly, cut into chunks
  • 2 medium bitter gourds, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 liter of water
  • 1 bunch of green leafy vegetables (malunggay or spinach)
  • 1 piece of Knorr pork cube
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté until it turns light brown.
  3. Add the onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
  4. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
  5. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until they turn light brown.
  6. Add the shrimp paste and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  7. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Add the Knorr pork cube and stir until it is fully dissolved.
  9. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
  10. Add the bitter gourd slices and cook for another 5 minutes.
  11. Add the green leafy vegetables and cook until they are wilted.
  12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Turn off the heat and transfer the soup into a serving bowl.
  14. Serve hot with a side of rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and accommodate the soup.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the bitter gourd, tomatoes, and onions.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board to safely chop the vegetables and meat.
  • Garlic press - Optional, but helpful for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Stirring spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the shrimp paste, oil, and spices.
  • Measuring cup - To measure the water and other liquids.
  • Serving bowl - A large bowl to serve the Law-oy soup.

Recipe variations

  • Replace pork belly with chicken or beef for a different protein option.
  • Use fish or shrimp instead of pork for a seafood version.
  • Add other vegetables like eggplant, okra, or squash to make it more hearty.
  • Include other herbs and spices such as ginger, lemongrass, or chili peppers for added flavor.
  • Substitute the bitter gourd with other bitter greens like ampalaya leaves or mustard greens.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or mushroom broth instead.
  • Add coconut milk for a creamy and rich version of Law-oy.
  • Experiment with different types of leafy greens like kangkong, water spinach, or kale.
  • Try using different types of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, for a unique twist.
  • Add a squeeze of calamansi juice or a splash of vinegar for a tangy flavor.

Recipe overview

This Law-oy recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to make this traditional Filipino soup that's both hearty and healthy. Law-oy is a vegetable soup popular in the Visayan region, specifically in the province of Cebu. It's loaded with pork belly, bitter gourd, and leafy greens, cooked in a flavorful broth seasoned with shrimp paste. This soup dish is perfect for those who love a good blend of meaty and leafy in their meal. It is often served with a side of rice, making it a complete meal in itself. The recipe is pretty straightforward and requires common ingredients found in many kitchens, making it an easy yet satisfying dish to prepare at home.

Common questions

  1. What is Law-oy? Law-oy is a Filipino soup dish made with pork, bitter gourd, and other vegetables.
  2. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use other types of meat like beef or chicken if you prefer, but traditionally, Law-oy is made with pork.
  3. Can I omit the bitter gourd? While bitter gourd is a key ingredient in Law-oy, you can omit it if you don't like the taste. However, it adds a unique flavor to the dish.
  4. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Law-oy is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like eggplant, okra, or squash to customize the dish to your liking.
  5. What can I substitute for shrimp paste? If shrimp paste is not available, you can use fish sauce as a substitute. It will give a similar savory taste to the dish.
  6. How should I serve Law-oy? Law-oy is typically served hot as a soup dish, accompanied by steamed rice.
  7. Can I make Law-oy ahead of time? Yes, Law-oy can be prepared ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed for cooking the Law-oy soup.
  • Knife - Used to cut the pork belly, bitter gourd, tomatoes, and onions.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for safely slicing and chopping the ingredients.
  • Measuring cup - Used to measure the water needed for the recipe.
  • Soup ladle - Used for scooping and serving the Law-oy soup.
  • Serving bowls - Used to serve the Law-oy soup.
  • Rice cooker - Optional accessory for cooking rice to serve with the Law-oy soup.

Origin stories

Law-oy is a traditional Filipino dish hailing from the Visayas region, particularly in Cebu and Bohol. The dish is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of the Filipino culinary tradition. This vegetable stew is made using whatever fresh produce is available at the time, making it an ever-evolving recipe that changes with the seasons. The name "Law-oy" actually means 'boiling' in the Visayan dialect, indicating the simple cooking process involved in its preparation. It reflects the Filipino ethos of making the best use of available resources, turning simple and accessible ingredients into a flavorful and nourishing meal.

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.