Nutritious vegetable dish for Lent

MANILA, Philippines — We’re in the thick of the Lenten season, and, unlike regular times, we really try to fast and refrain from eating meat as much as we can. This is when having vegetable recipes on hand really comes in handy. Here, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation shares the recipe of a light, nutritious and ginisarap vegetable dish that its kitchen team has come up with. Their version of Dinengdeng purposely omits the meat component but still keeps it flavorful and satisfying.

Dinengdeng 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup ampalaya, small variant, sliced

1 cup eggplant, small variant, sliced

1 cup squash, cut into cubes

1 cup okra, sliced

1 cup sitaw, cut into 2-inch lengths

1 Tbsp. bagoong isda

4 cups water

2 cups dahoon ng saluyot, fresh

2 cups alugbati leaves, fresh

Leftover fried, grilled or smoked fish, flaked (optional)

2 packs Aji-Ginisa Flavor Seasoning Mix (16 grams)

PROCEDURE:

In a casserole, combine ampalaya, eggplants, squash, okra, sitaw, bagoong isda, and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add dahon ng saluyot, alugbati and flaked fish. Season with Aji-Ginisa. Mix well.

Simmer for another minute. Serve hot.

COOKING TIP: Add green, leafy vegetables just before turning off the heat to maintain their bright green color and most of their nutrients.