Yes, I am aware that it’s a Spanish dish. But believe it or not, Paella has long been part of the Philippine menu. If I’m not mistaken, only Filipino cooking has the Spanish influence among all Asian cuisine. Surprised? You’re not alone. My Kiwi officemates were actually amazed to find out I was of Spanish descent when they asked about my lengthy maiden name. I’m featuring the Paella today because my sister’s friend was kind enough to cook this for my mom’s birthday lunch. Flickr Image: avlxyz (I have the photo, Tom, the previous editor of Noodles and Rice, had the recipe.) I miss Paella! It’s a shame that Spanish is just as unpopular as Filipino cooking is, here in Christchurch. [Read more]

Thanks to Mama Sita, another delicious find has made its way to my kitchen. To my fellow overseas Pinoys, here’s a treat to keep the homesickness at bay. For the others, a breakfast/lunch/dinner suggestion, if you may. While the marinade does its job, why don’t you fry up some leftover rice and sunny-side up egg to complete your ToSiLog (Tocino-Sinangag-Itlog) ensemble! Happy cooking! [Read more]

As requested by my dear sister, this will be one of the dishes that my mom will cook for her birthday lunch on Saturday. (Hence, the photo will follow then.) Much as we wanted to order or dine out to save the birthday girl the trouble of having to cook, we are taking advantage of her skillful presence in the kitchen. Lol! Ingredients: 1 large fish 1 large onion 2 large green and red sweet pepper, cut into strips 5 tbsps soy sauce 5 tbsps vinegar 4 tbsps brown sugar 2 tbsps cornstarch vetsin to taste pinch of black pepper, pounded Directions: 1. Clean and fry fish and set aside. Fry garlic, onions, and sweet pepper. 2. Make a medium thick gravy from the mixture of water, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Add the fried garlic, onions and sweet... [Read more]

Rice, as you know, is staple among Asians so everytime my family and I crave for KFC, we’d normally order take-aways and enjoy the crisp fried chicken with home-cooked steamed rice. This got me thinking, and wishing that rice would be sold at KFC restaurants here in NZ, the way they do in the Philippines. It would make life so much easier! The smell of KFC inside the car makes my mouth water! Lol! n {democracy:3} Thanks for participating in my mini-survey. Please do tell where in the world you are, thru the Comments field below. It’s gonna be a thrill to know if there’s anybody else out there, suffering (haha!), like us here. [Read more]

Ingredients: 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 large onion, chopped 3 large tomatoes, chopped 1/2 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces 3 tbsp soy sauce 1 lemon, squeezed 1/2 cup tomato sauce 1 large red or green sweet bell pepper (or capsicum), chopped 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed Directions: 1. Saute garlic in oil until golden brown. Add the onion and cook until soft. Add the tomatoes and mash. Stir well. 2. Add the chicken and mix well with the prior ingredients. Add soy sauce and lemon juice. Stir. 3. Add the tomato sauce and 1 cup water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Continue adding water until the chicken becomes tender. 4. Add the chopped pepper and potatoes. Let it boil then simmer for 10 more minutes until the potatoes are cooked. 5. Taste... [Read more]