Inun-unan Isda

CEBU, Philippines - "Inun-unan" is a Filipino fish recipe that mainly involves fish and vinegar along with some vegetables and spices. The "inun-unan" recipe I have here is easy to follow because the steps are simple. The result is a great tasting fish dish to be enjoyed with warm white rice.

"Inun-unan" is similar to "paksiw" in many ways - I think that this is the Visayan version of the "paksiw na isda". I like the idea of having ampalaya and eggplant incorporated in the dish because I always had fun eating the vegetables, especially ampalaya which was no longer bitter at all. The fish becomes very flavorful too. I always like it dipped in spicy fish sauce (patis).

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. whole fish, the size of a person's arm, cleaned and innards removed, cut crosswise

• 1 medium ampalaya, cored and sliced

• 1 medium Chinese eggplant, sliced

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 thumb ginger, sliced

• 5 pieces long green chili

• ½ cup cane or white vinegar

• 1 cup water

•  teaspoon whole peppercorn

Procedure:

1. Arrange the onion, fish, ginger, whole peppercorn, water, and vinegar in a cooking pot. Cover the pot and turn the heat on. Let the liquid boil.

2. Once the liquid starts to boil, adjust the heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes.

3. Add the eggplant, bitter gourd, and chili (or pepper). Cover the pot and continue to cook until the water completely evaporates.

4. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve.

5. Share and enjoy!

(www.panlasangpinoy.com)