Bicol Express

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg elongated green chilies, julienned (you can use a slightly milder substitute, try the serrano or jabanero)
• 200 g shrimp paste (The Thai version is not a substitute as it is very pungent and totally overpowering. Filipino shrimp)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 whole onion, chopped
• 1/2 kg pork, cut into tiny pieces
• 1/2 kg plum tomato, chopped
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup thick coconut milk (the light version can be pretty bland)

Directions

1. 1

   In a pan or a wok, sauté garlic, onion, and tomatoes in oil.

2. 2

   When onion is slightly cooked, add pork.

3. 3

   Fry the mixture for 2 minutes until pork turned a little brown, and then add 1/2 cup of water.

4. 4

   Boil until water is almost gone and pork is completely cooked. Then add shrimp paste.

5. 5

   Add chilies.

6. 6

   Pour in the coconut milk, keep stirring. Simmer until mixture is dry.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with rice.