Pork Guisantes (Filipino Pork and Peas)


In Hawaii we are exposed to many different cultures and the one common thread - is in the sharing of food.   Pork Guisantes is yet another one of those comfort foods that's simple to make and satisfying to eat.

In Spanish, guisantes [gee-sahn’-tay] translates into peas.  

What a beautiful way to say something so plain.

Filipino Pork and Peas is a one pot meal with tender bites of pork in a garlicy tomato sauce. Sometimes I add diced carrots and potatoes to this dish to make it more like a stew because that's how my family likes it.

Patis (fish sauce) is one of those flavors that you like or you don't. My husband has a clear dislike for fish sauce, so I leave it out when I cook this dish and serve it on the side as a condiment for those who want to add it.

Tips:
·         You can substitute 3 oz. tomato paste + ½ cup water for the 8 oz. tomato sauce & water.  It all just depends on what you have in your pantry.
·         You can also substitute the pimentos with a small sliced red bell pepper.  If you use red peppers; add them at the same time as the onions.


PORK GUISANTES (Filipino Pork with Peas)
2          pounds            pork butt, sliced
2          cloves              garlic, minced
1          med                 onion, chopped
1          8oz. can          tomato sauce
1          8oz. can          water
1          bay                  leaf
1         Tbs.                 patis (fish sauce)
1          tsp.                  kosher salt
¼         tsp.                  black pepper
1 ½      cups                frozen peas
4          oz. jar              pimentos, sliced

1.    Heat about 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over med-high heat.  Add onions then garlic and sauté for 1 – 2 min.  Then add pork until browned. 
2.    Add tomato sauce, water, bay leaf, patis, salt and pepper; bring to a boil; lower heat and cover.  Cook for about 30 minutes or until meat is tender; stir occasionally.
3.    Add peas and pimentos; cover and cook for about 2 minutes, just to heat the peas.
4.    Serve with rice.

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